• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.449-458
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Maternal knowledge, positive attitudes and interest toward breastfeeding may improve the sustainability of breastfeeding. This study examined the associations of knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding with the duration of breastfeeding in Korean mothers who used the internet. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 604 Korean mothers who breastfed their babies. Mothers were recruited through the internet and their knowledge, attitudes and interest toward breastfeeding were assessed using a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Geometric means and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Higher knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding were associated with longer duration of breastfeeding in Korean mothers. In particular, mothers who had optimal breastfeeding duration were more likely to be aware of the easiness of breast milk stimulation and breastfeeding, the development of attachment between mother and child, and pleasure from breastfeeding compared to those mothers with shorter duration. The association with optimal breastfeeding duration was more pronounced among mothers who graduated from high school for total attitude scores and total interest scores, compared to mothers who graduated from college or above. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that it is important to improve maternal knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding in Korean mothers who use the internet as a source of knowledge. Also, the study results imply that the development of strategies to target mothers with relatively low education levels may improve breastfeeding rates.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.331-344
• /
• 1995

The process of breast feeding was investigated from the 36th week of pregnancy to 12 weeks postnatal, in order to analyze the factors affecting breast feeding duration and provide the basic data on an education program for successful breast feeding. The general characteristics of study group had no marked effects on the breastfeeding duration. The young and highly condition during pregnancy and the degree of morning sickness affected the practice of breastfeeding. In the study of prenatal sociobehavioral factors, intended duration affected the breastfeeding duration, and the maternal perception that breastfeeding is good for weight loss after delivery as well as infant formula milk is not as good as breast milk, led to successful breast feeding. Among the postnatal biological factors, the duration of gestation affected the breast feeding. Among the postnatal biological factors, the duration of gestation affected the breastiffeding outcome. In the case of early parturition, breastfeeding rate was low. Among the postnatal biocultural factors, time of first feed, milk volume and maternal perception of infant's sucking ability affected the bresatfeeding duration. From these result, it is suggested that an education program such as participation of nursing class to the pregnant women should be provided for successful breastfeeding.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.74-80
• /
• 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors affecting the rate and duration of breastfeeding. Methods: We analyzed the data from the year 2000 Korea National Fertility Survey that was collected through direct interviews. In particular, the mothers who delivered their last child and the child was under 1 year of age from January 1998 to June 2000 (N=1,066) were analyzed via a logistic model to assess the factors affecting the breastfeeding rate. Among the study subjects, those who had initiated breastfeeding (N=740) were analyzed through Cox's proportional hazard model to evaluate the factors affecting the duration of breastfeeding. Results: The multivariate logistic model showed that the delivery type and the baby's birth-weight have a statistically significant influence on the breastfeeding rate. Women who delivered their babies through Cesarean section were less likely than others to breastfeed. In contrast, the women whose babies weighed 2.5Kg or more were more likely than others to breastfeed. The results obtained from the survival analysis are as follows: the higher the mother's education level, the shorter is the breastfeeding duration. The mother's work status played a significant role in the early termination of breastfeeding. Women aged 35 or older showed a longer breastfeeding duration than the younger age groups, whereas the maternal age was not a significant factor in affecting whether or not a mother would breastfeed. Conclusions: Reducing the cases of operative delivery (Cesarean section) and low weight births, enlightening young and highly educated women on breastfeeding and improving the environment for breastfeeding on the job are important strategies to encourage women to breastfeed.

• Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research
• /
• v.4 no.4
• /
• pp.208-245
• /
• 2017

Background: Attitudes toward breastfeeding in public are one potential barrier to optimal breastfeeding rates and durations. Method: Questions about breastfeeding experience and attitudes toward breastfeeding in public were asked in face-to-face interviews as part of the Korean Academic Multimode Open Survey (KAMOS), May-July, 2017. The response rate was 65.8% (2000 respondents nationwide). Results: A majority of Koreans disagreed (1 or 2 on a 4-point scale) with the statement "Women should not breastfeed their child in open, public places" (53.9%) and agreed (3 or 4 on the 4-part Likert scale) with the statements "I do not feel uncomfortable seeing women breastfeed their child in open, public places" (64.0%) and "Breastfeeding a baby, instead of letting the baby cry, in public places is better for other people" (71.8%). However, despite these generally positive attitudes, the majority also said that they would not breastfeed in public (57.4% of women) or, in the case of men, would not want a close female relative to do so (63.8% of men). Breastfeeding in public was positively correlated with the duration of breastfeeding. People were more positive about breastfeeding in public if they: were parents; did not use formula and breastfeeding a similar amount; had children who had been breastfed in public; were older; were Buddhists rather than Christians. An attempt was made to compare attitudes toward breastfeeding in public and breastfeeding durations internationally, but was inconclusive due to not perfectly comparable data. Conclusion: Our results may be useful in planning public health campaigns in South Korea or future attempts at international comparisons to better understand and address the effect of public opinion regarding breastfeeding in public on breastfeeding rates and durations.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.49-55
• /
• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to utilize an extended Theory of Planned Behavior in identifying predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting pregnant womenthrough two-stage cluster sampling. Their exclusive breastfeeding intention, attitude, perceived norm, perceived behavioral control and past behavior were obtained at baseline through interviewer-guided questionnaire. At one month after delivery, another interview was conducted to determine the two additional variables in the extended theory, which were their postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty. The behavior, which was the actual duration of exclusive breastfeeding, was obtained from the second follow-up at six months. Pearson correlation and two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 200 women completed the study follow-up. Their median intended exclusive breastfeeding duration was 4.0 (IQR 5) months, and the median actual duration was 1.0 (IQR 4) month. The Theory of Planned Behavior explained 51.0% of the variance in intention, with perceived behavioral control and attitude were the significant predictors. It also explained 10.0% of the variance in behavior, but the addition of postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty increased the amount of explained variance in behavior by 6.0%. The significant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding behavior were intention, postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty. CONCLUSION: The extended Theory of Planned Behaviorhad a good predictive ability in explaining exclusive breastfeedingintention and behavior. The women's intention to practice exclusive breastfeeding may be improved by improving their perceived behavioral control and attitude. Providing correct postpartum support and skills to handle breastfeeding difficulties after delivery will improve their exclusive breastfeeding behavior.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.105-115
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to determine the factors that affect the breastfeeding of late preterm infants (gestation age 34⁺⁰~36⁺⁶) in South Korea. Method: A cross-sectional and questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 178 mothers of 209 late preterm infants discharged from a university hospital. We collected data on participants' demographics, breastfeeding-related characteristics and current status of breastfeeding and analyzed them using SPSS. Results: Breastfeeding duration varied significantly according to the number of babies born (t=3.691, p<.001), birth order (F=6.416, p=.002), type of feeding planned (F=8.691, p<.001), planned breastfeeding period(F=24.779, p<.001), previous baby's breastfeeding type(F= 8.510, p<.001), previous baby's breastfeeding duration(F=10.589, p<.001). The mothers with incomes of 3-5 million won a month were less likely to continue breastfeeding than those with incomes over 5 million won (CI: 0.049-0.086: p=0.035). Conclusion: Our results are meaningful in that we revealed that mother's monthly income influenced breastfeeding continuation, first-time mothers and mothers of multiples were at risk of breastfeeding difficulties. Interventions for helping late preterm infants' mothers establish breastfeeding and maintain an adequate milk supply are vital.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.1672-1683
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this descriptive survey was to investigate the duration of exclusive breastfeeding practice and its related factors of married immigrant Vietnamese women. And to provide baseline information necessary to develop education programs for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding practice among them. 125 married immigrant Vietnamese women with a child between 6 months and 60 months old were conveniently recruited in two Multi-cultural Family Support Center in Chungcheong area. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire of Korean and Vietnamese versions. The data were analyzed using frequencies, t-test, ANOVA, Stepwise multiple regression with SPSS 18.0 program. The results were as follows; 1) The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding of the subjects was 15.9 weeks. 2) As the infants grows older, the rate of formula feeding and mixed feeding were markedly increased. 3) Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that breastfeeding education and family type were significant determinants of the duration of exclusive breastfeeding practice. This model accounted for 30.8% of the duration of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Based on these results, we recommend to develop systematic breastfeeding education program in order to promote the duration of exclusive breastfeeding practice among married immigrant Vietnamese women.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.306-313
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among Korean women in relation to their employment status. Methods: Data were collected using a web-based self-administered questionnaire from 1,031 Korean mothers living in Seoul with babies younger than 24 months. Demographic characteristics, education on breastfeeding, rooming in, breastfeeding during hospital stay, and breastfeeding knowledge were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with initiation and continuation at 1, 6 and 12 months according to mothers' employment status. Results: Breastfeeding initiation rates were similar regardless of mothers' employment status. Continuation rates decreased for both groups of mothers, but were significantly lower among employed mothers at all duration points. Unemployed mothers who were able to keep their babies in the same room during the hospital stay were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. The factor that was consistently associated with breastfeeding continuation for all duration points among unemployed mothers was whether the mother breastfed during the hospital stay. Higher knowledge scores and having an infant with atopic dermatitis were also associated with breastfeeding continuation at 6 months and 12 months, respectively for unemployed mothers, and receiving education on breastfeeding was associated with 12-month continuation for employed mothers. Conclusion: These results emphasize the significant roles of hospitals for breastfeeding initiation and continuation, with rooming-in, initial breastfeeding practice and education during hospital stay as important practices. In addition, for working mothers to continue their breastfeeding, significant support from the workplace is crucial.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.368-378
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between breastfeeding and the prevalence of breast, thyroid, and cervical cancer among Korean adult women. Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of data from the Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study. The final samples were 113,944 Korean women among 173,205 urban-based cohort participants collected between 2004 and 2013 for adults aged forty and over. To determine the association between female cancers and breastfeeding experience, the number of childbirth, and total breastfeeding duration, logistic regression analysis was done. The demographic characteristics, health behavior, and female history were adjusted. Results: The prevalence of breast cancer was 1.37 times higher in the non-breastfeeding group than in the breastfeeding group. Compared to having breastfed for more than 36 months, the prevalence of thyroid cancer was 1.68 times higher at breastfeeding for 13 to 36 months, 1.67 times higher at breastfeeding for 6 to 12 months, and 2.06 times higher at breastfeeding less than 6 months. Also, the prevalence of cervical cancer was 1.54 times higher at breastfeeding for 13 to 36 months, compared to breastfeeding for more than 36 months. Conclusion: The study found that breastfeeding experience and a longer breastfeeding duration are associated with reduced risk of breast, thyroid, and cervical cancer in Korean women. It can be used as a basis for encouraging breastfeeding, and suggests further research on modifiable factors that reduce cancer risks.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.41-64
• /
• 1987

The main objectives of the present study were to understand the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding mothers about the feeding and supplementary food and to analyze the factors related to it. The data for the present study collected from July 9 to July 31, 1984 for 302 mothers in Seoul. 1. The Knowledge of Breastfeeding Mothers about the Fee4ing and Supplementary Food (1) In the knowledge of mothers on the appropriate feeding pattern before 6 month, 69.3% of total women believed that breast-fed babies are healthier. There was a singificant difference in the type of feeding in order to education level, socio-economic state, and. mass-media exposure. (2) In the knowledge of mothers on an appropriate duration of lactation, the mean duration of breastfeeding is 8. 1 month. The duration of breastfeeding gradually decreases in order of education level, socio-economic state, mass-media exposure, and employment status. (3) In the knowledge of mothers on an appropriate time of introduction of supplementary food, the mean time of introduction of supplementary food is 4. 7 month. It is gradually decrease in order of education level, socioeconomic state, mass-media exposure, and employment state. 2. The Practice of Breastfeeding Mothers about the Feeding and Supplementary Food (1) The practice of mothers on infant-feeding before 6 month and that education level, socio-economic state and mass media exposure are the higher, the rate of breast feeding is the less. (2) The mean duration of breastfeeding is 9 month. It is 1 month longer the knowledge of mothers on an appropriate feeding pattern before 6 month. (3) The time of introduction of supplementary food is average 4.75 month. It is similar to the knowledge of mothers on an appropriate time about introduction of supplementary food. The result of this study indicate that the knowledge and practice of breast feeding is maintained comparatively high in low educated group, whereas it is noticeably decreasing among the high educated group. High educated group believed that the short duration of breastfeeding better than long, and they practiced breastfeeding so short period. And high educated group also thought early introduction of supplementary food is good for the babies health. Consequently, in this study, for the most part, elite group is found to have rather wrong opinions and practice about infant nutrition. Therefore the accurate information of infant nutrition is must be encouraged to mothers.