Social and Medical Factors Affecting the Duration of Breast Feeding in Egypt

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Abstract
The study included 504 mother-child pairs: 300 urban poor (UP), 104 traditional rural (TR) and 100 urban élite (UE). TR mothers were found to experience the longest duration of breast feeding (BF) as compared to the UP and UE mothers. Causes of stoppage of BF differed: new pregnancy is a major cause in the TR (37.5%) and UP (31.7%) groups, while contraceptive pills is a problem in the UE (19%) group. The duration of BF was shorter among those with higher per capita income, with higher education and those working outside home; the majority were from the high social classes. Hospital deliveries and deliveries conducted by forceps and/or episiotomy also adversely affected the duration of BF. On the other hand, antenatal care of the breasts and use of spoon versus bottle as a method of prelacteal feeding were found to promote BF. Also, night feeding resulted in prolongation o BF. Start of BF early or late after delivery and the regularity of feeding were found to have no significant effect on the duration of BF. In conclusion, promotion of BF should be tailored according to the target social group. Personnel involved in care of mother and child before and after delivery should be carefully motivated. These include general practitioners, paediatricians and particularly obstetricians, who are usually in a key place to encourage mothers. Nurses should have active role in encouraging mothers to breast feed. Hospital routine should be modified to suit natural feeding.

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