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

International Breastfeeding Journal

Ying Mu¹  Yuning Liu²  Jingyi Chen²  Tong Xin³  Yuhan Cheng⁴  Hanyu Wang⁵  Li Jiang⁶  Kun Tang⁷  Shihui Tan⁸  Jiawen Chen⁹  Kaiyue Zou⁹  Qiuhong Li⁹  Junjian Gaoshan^1,10 

[1] Breast Surgery Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University;Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T. H Chan School of Public Health;Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center;Department of Psychology, Northeastern University;Institute for Medical Humanities, Peking University Health Science Center;Peking University People’s Hospital;Research Center for Public Health, Tsinghua University;School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center;School of Nursing, Peking University Health Science Center;United Nations Population Fund China office;

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

DOI  :  10.1186/s13006-019-0223-z

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Breastfeeding 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. Methods This 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. Results Agriculture 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. Conclusions Having 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】

Unknown