A survey on some effective factors on the duration of breastfeeding using survival analysis (Mazandaran province)

Introduction: The recent studies have shown that breastfeeding is beneficial for both physical and mental health of baby. In addition, it is very important with respect to the socio-economical status of family life and the society. The aim of this study is to identify the influence of some factors on duration of breastfeeding in Mazandaran province with survival analysis. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 480 mothers who had at least one baby aged 2-3 years. A questioner was completed for all mothers by interview. Data analysis was carried out using the Cox Proportional Hazard Regression model. Results: The results of study showed that the breastfeeding median was 22 month and mean (SD) was 21(4.6) months. In addition, the results showed that 1.9% of babies who had breastfeeding were less than 6 months old, 5.6% between 6 and 12, 17.9% between 12 and 18, 65.1% between 18 and 24 and 9.5% more than 24 months old. To detect effective factors on the duration of breastfeeding, the Cox regression was used and then significant factors were entered in a multiple Cox regression to remove the potential confounders. It was found that residencey place (urban or rural), having twin babies, mother jobs, the type of pregnancy, using other milk, drinking tea or water to babies before the age of 4 months, number of breastfeeding per day, and finally supporting and promoting by husband were among the significant effective factors on the breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: On the basis of the final model the probability of continues breastfeeding at 6, 12, 18, 22 and 24 months were 99.2, 95.0, 79.5, 50.0 and 8.2 percent respectively.