Social and demographic determinants for breastfeeding in a rural, suburban and city area of South East China

Jianghong Liu, Zumin Shi, Diane Spatz, Rebecca Loh, Guiju Sun, Jeane Grisso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a traditional practice in China, yet few studies have explored its current trend after socioeconomic reform. This study aims to characterize breastfeeding rates and possible associations with sociodemographic factors using a breastfeeding questionnaire administered to 1,385 mothers of 6-year-old children. Rates were lowest among city residents and negatively associated with parental and grandmother education levels as well as mothers' professional occupational status. These findings highlight the impact of urbanization on maternal and child health and the effect of marketing tactics for breast milk substitutes (BMS). Public health education promoting breastfeeding should target urban families, particularly those educated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)234-243
Number of pages10
JournalContemporary Nurse
Volume45
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Breast milk substitutes (BMS)
  • Breastfeeding
  • China
  • Infant formula

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

Cite this