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Breastfeeding Frequency of Primary Healthcare Professionals and Effective Factors
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  • EZGİ AGADAYI,
  • Sanem Nemmezi Karaca,
  • Gamze Ersen,
  • Duygu AYHAN BASER,
  • Hatice Küçükceran,
  • PINAR BİLGİLİ,
  • izzet küçük
EZGİ AGADAYI
Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Sanem Nemmezi Karaca
Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine
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Gamze Ersen
Ankara Akyurt State Hospital
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Duygu AYHAN BASER
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
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Hatice Küçükceran
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PINAR BİLGİLİ
Antalya 19 Güzeloba Family Health Center
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izzet küçük
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Abstract

Background: To determine the frequency of breastfeeding of mothers working in primary care, the differences between different employment groups, and the effective factors. Methods: This descriptive research study was conducted with a self-report online survey design. The snowball sampling method was used for the sample selection, and 151 family physicians and 126 family health professionals were included in the study during the research period (June 2019-December 2019). A 35-item survey was used to collect data. The response rate was 44.9% (49.5% family physicians/40.3% family health professionals). Results: The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 3.9 ± 2.0 months, and the mean duration of total breastfeeding was 16.7 ± 8.5 months. There was no significant difference between the family physicians and family health professionals in terms of exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.580) and total breastfeeding (P = 0.325) durations. The most common reasons for weaning was reduced milk supply (25.6%) and not being able to use breastfeeding leave (23.1%) due to problems at work. Of the sample, 41.3% had problems with their co-workers and 41.9% had problems related to patient care when taking breastfeeding leave. Working in a baby-friendly center (P = 0.010), prolonged exclusive breastfeeding (P < 0.001), and increased hours of breastfeeding leave taken (P = 0.001) had a positive effect on breastfeeding for ≥24 months while experiencing problems with co-workers in taking breastfeeding leave (P = 0.023) had a negative effect on this variable. Conclusions: All of the factors that were determined to affect the continuation of breastfeeding for ≥24 months are modifiable. It is very important for relevant authorities to undertake necessary action to improve the conditions of working mothers based on these results. Health professional that can maintain the balance between family and work will work more efficiently.
11 Jan 2021Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
12 Jan 2021Submission Checks Completed
12 Jan 2021Assigned to Editor
10 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Apr 20211st Revision Received
29 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
29 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
30 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 May 20212nd Revision Received
16 May 2021Assigned to Editor
16 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
10 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Accept