The association between work related factors and breastfeeding practices among Chinese working mothers: a mixed-method approach

International Breastfeeding Journal

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[1] 0000 0001 0662 3178, grid.12527.33, Research Center for Public Health, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, 100084, Beijing, China;0000 0001 2173 3359, grid.261112.7, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, 02115, Boston, MA, USA;0000 0001 2256 9319, grid.11135.37, Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China;0000 0001 2256 9319, grid.11135.37, Institute for Medical Humanities, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China;0000 0001 2256 9319, grid.11135.37, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China;0000 0001 2256 9319, grid.11135.37, School of Nursing, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China;0000 0001 2256 9319, grid.11135.37, School of Nursing, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China;0000 0001 0662 3178, grid.12527.33, Research Center for Public Health, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, 100084, Beijing, China;0000 0004 0369 153X, grid.24696.3f, Breast Surgery Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, 100038, Beijing, China;0000 0004 0632 4559, grid.411634.5, Peking University People’s Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Ave., Xicheng District, 100044, Beijing, China;0000 0004 1936 7558, grid.189504.1, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T. H Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, 02115, Boston, MA, USA;United Nations Population Fund China office, 14 Liangmahe Nanlu, Chaoyang District, 100600, Beijing, China;

关键词: Work related factors;    Workplace;    Maternity leave;    Maternal occupation;    Occupation field;    Employment status;    Breastfeeding practices;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13006-019-0223-z

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundBreastfeeding rates remain low in China and some mothers stop breastfeeding shortly after returning to work. Our study aimed to investigate the association between breastfeeding practices of working mothers and their employment status (formal versus informal) and occupational fields (agriculture related, industry related, and business and white collar). We also identified key work-related factors that influence breastfeeding practices in Chinese working mothers.MethodsThis is a mixed-method research consisted of two components. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 10,408 breastfeeding mothers with children under 12 months old from 12 regions in China from July 2017 to January 2018. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AdjORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breastfeeding practices. For the qualitative component, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 84 breastfeeding mothers in the study areas from July to December 2017, Content analysis was used for the qualitative component.ResultsAgriculture related occupations were positively associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (AdjOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.15, 1.51), current breastfeeding (AdjOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.41, 2.20), ever breastfed (AdjOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09, 2.62), exclusive breastfeeding (AdjOR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.62), and predominant breastfeeding (AdjOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.44, 2.05). Business and white collar occupations were positively associated with early initiation (AdjOR1.38, 95% CI 1.23, 1.56) and ever breastfed (AdjOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12, 2.39), and inversely associated with predominant breastfeeding (AdjOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68, 0.95). For industry related and business and white collar occupations, informal employment was negatively related to current breastfeeding. In qualitative analysis, four main themes were developed to identify key work-related factors that influence breastfeeding practices: 1) employment benefits; 2) commute time; 3) workplace environment; 4) labor intensity. Mothers who experienced difficulties in one or more of the above would choose to lower breastfeeding frequency or stop breastfeeding.ConclusionsHaving flexible work schedules and proximity of workplace to home can assist continuance of breastfeeding. Policies promoting supportive breastfeeding environment at work ought to be implemented. Additionally, informally employed mothers require more attention due to limited legal protection.

【 授权许可】

CC BY