The role of maternal health literacy in breastfeeding pattern

Context: Today exclusive breastfeeding through the first 6 months of the infant’s life has become a challenging issue in the health-care system. It seems the health literacy to be an important element in the women’s ability to understanding, processing, and practice on health information. 

Aims: The aim of this study was determining the relationship between maternal health literacy and their breastfeeding pattern. Setting and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in comprehensive health-care centers in Rafsanjan, Iran. 

Materials and Methods: In this study, 461 mothers who had 6-month infants and referred to comprehensive health-care centers, from November 2015 to May 2016, were selected by quota and systematic sampling method. The data collection tools were the demographic and standard health literacy for Iranian adults and the breastfeeding pattern questionnaires. 

Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and frequency), Chi-square, ANOVA test at a significant level of 0.05. 

Results: The rate of starting breastfeeding in the 1st h after birth was 70.1% and the exclusive breastfeeding rate until 6 months were 68.8%. Health literacy of 5.2% of mothers was inadequate, 71.8% were adequate and excellent. There was no significant statistical relationship between breastfeeding in the early postpartum period and breastfeeding pattern with mothers’ health literacy level. 

Conclusion: Breastfeeding pattern of mothers is independent of their health literacy and it seems to take place under the influence of other personal and social-cultural factors.