Meeting breastfeeding intentions differ by race/ethnicity,Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study‐2

Prenatal breastfeeding intentions impact breastfeeding practices. Racial/ethnic disparities exist in breastfeeding rates; it is unknown if prenatal intentions and meeting intentions differ by race/ethnicity. A longitudinal cohort of USDA''s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which enrolled participants beginning in 2013 were used to estimate prenatal intentions for breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breast milk feeds at 1 and 3 months by race/ethnicity (n = 2070). Meeting intentions were determined by reported breast milk consumption at birth, 1 month and 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of race/ethnicity with meeting intentions. There were no differences in prenatal breastfeeding intentions between non‐Hispanic White and non‐Hispanic Black women (initiation: 86.9% and 87.2%; Month 1: 52.3% and 48.3%; Month 3: 43.8% and 40.9%; respectively), but a higher percentage of Hispanic women intended to breastfeed at all time points (95.5%, 68.3% and 56.4%; respectively, P < 0.05). Among women who intended to breastfeed at Month 1, non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women had significantly lower odds of meeting intentions compared with non‐Hispanic White women after adjusting for covariates (aORs: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.41, 0.98]; 0.64 [95% CI: 0.44, 0.92], respectively). Similar findings were seen for Month 3. Despite no differences in breastfeeding intentions, non‐Hispanic Black women were less likely to meet their breastfeeding intentions than non‐Hispanic White women. Hispanic women were more likely to intend to breastfeed yet were less likely to meet their intentions. This suggests that non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women face challenges to meeting their longer breastfeeding intentions. Understanding how racism, bias and discrimination contribute to women not meeting their breastfeeding intentions may help efforts to reduce breastfeeding disparities.     

Variation in breastfeeding behaviours, perceptions, and experiences by race/ethnicity among a low-income statewide sample of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants in the United States

The objective of this study was to examine how breastfeeding behaviours, perceptions and experiences vary by race/ethnicity among a low-income sample in the USA. Bilingual interviewers conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey of 767 white, African American or Hispanic mothers who received the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration varied by race/ethnicity. Hispanic mothers were more likely to initiate breastfeeding than African American (91% vs. 65%) or white (61%) mothers. Hispanic mothers breastfed longer (mean 5 months) than either African American (mean 3.5 months) or white (mean 3 months) mothers. The most common reason for not breastfeeding was fear of difficulty or pain during breastfeeding (35.6%). Among mothers who did not initiate breastfeeding, African American and white mothers were more likely than Hispanic mothers to report perceptions of breastfeeding difficulty or pain, and Hispanic mothers were more likely than African American and white mothers to report perceptions of infant breast rejection. The most common reason reported for breastfeeding cessation was not having enough milk (23.4%). Hispanic mothers were more likely than African American and white mothers to cite perceptions of milk insufficiency and infant breast refusal than concerns regarding breast discomfort or pain. African American mothers were more likely than white mothers to report cessation to return to work. In conclusion, while breastfeeding initiation rates approach Healthy People 2010 goals, breastfeeding duration remains far below these goals. Race/ethnicity differences in experiences related to breastfeeding cessation suggest that culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions are necessary.     

Effects of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender on Surgical Mortality in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Information is limited regarding the effect of race, ethnicity, and gender on the outcomes of the three palliative procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This study examined the effects of race, ethnicity, gender, type of admission, and surgical volume on in-hospital mortality associated with palliative procedures for HLHS between 1998 and 2007 using data from the University HealthSystem Consortium. According to the data, 1,949 patients underwent stage 1 palliation (S1P) with a mortality rate of 29 %, 1,279 patients underwent stage 2 palliations (S2P) with a mortality rate of 5.4 %, and 1,084 patients underwent stage 3 palliation (S3P) with a mortality rate of 4.1 %. The risk factors for increased mortality with S1P were black and “other” race, smaller surgical volume, and early surgical era. The only risk factors for increased mortality with S2P were black race (11 % mortality; odds ratio [OR], 3.19; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.69–6.02) and Hispanic ethnicity (11 % mortality; OR 3.30; 95 % CI 1.64–6.64). For S2P, no racial differences were seen in the top five surgical volume institutions, but racial differences were seen in the non-top-five surgical volume institutions. Mortality with S1P was significantly higher for patients discharged after birth (37 vs 24 %; p = 0.004), and blacks were more likely to be discharged after birth (12 vs 5 % for all other races; p < 0.001). No racial differences with S3P were observed. The risk factors for increased mortality at S1P were black and “other” race, smaller surgical volume, and early surgical era. The risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality with S2P were black race and Hispanic ethnicity.     

Depression in Medicaid-covered youth: differences by race and ethnicity

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities have previously been noted in antidepressant use among Medicaid-covered youth. OBJECTIVE: To determine if racial and ethnic differences are due to dissimilarity in the prevalence of diagnosed depression or disparate treatment patterns. METHODS: Claims were examined for 192 441 youth (5-18 years old) who had been continuously enrolled in Medicaid from July 1, 1997, to December 31, 1998. Diagnosed depression was defined as having been assigned an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for a depressive disorder in a medical claim. Logistic regression methods were used to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and (1) depression diagnosis and (2) depression treatment in the 6 months following a new episode of diagnosed depression. All analyses were controlled for age, sex, and rural or urban residence. RESULTS: Two percent of the total sample had a depression diagnosis, 25% of which were new episodes of depression. Compared with white youth, Hispanic (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.57), Asian/Pacific Islander (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12-0.21), and black (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.26-0.37) youth were less likely to have a depression diagnosis. Following a new diagnosis, Native American (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18-0.46) and Hispanic (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.61) youth were less likely than white youth to have received an antidepressant or a mental health specialty visit. CONCLUSIONS: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in both the prevalence and treatment of diagnosed depression. Future studies should examine underlying reasons for these disparities and how they affect the quality of care for depressed Medicaid-covered youth.     

Acculturation as a predictor of the onset of sexual intercourse among Hispanic and white teens

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ethnic differences in onset of sexual intercourse among Hispanic/Mexican American and white adolescents based on acculturation. DESIGN/METHODS: Preprogram survey data from 7270 Hispanic or white teens in 7th to 12th grade involved in the Arizona Abstinence-Only Education Program were used to predict the probability of onset of sexual intercourse based on age, sex, family structure, program location, religiosity, free school lunch, grades, rural residence, acculturation, and ethnicity. Specific attention was given to the influence of acculturation among Hispanic teens. The primary language spoken by the respondents (English, Spanish, or both) was used as a proxy measure for acculturation. RESULTS: Hispanic youth were at a greater risk for experiencing onset of intercourse than white youth, while controlling for all other predictors (odds ratio [OR], 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-1.63]). This risk was amplified for highly acculturated Hispanic teens (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.43-1.99]). However, less acculturated Hispanic youth were actually less likely to have experienced first intercourse than white youth (OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.42-0.82]), English-speaking Hispanic youth (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.25-0.49]), or bilingual Hispanic youth (OR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.31-0.64]). CONCLUSIONS: Low acculturation emerges as a significant protective factor while controlling for other social and cultural factors, in spite of the increased risk of initiating sexual intercourse for Hispanic teens overall. Hispanic Spanish speakers were least likely to have initiated intercourse, while Hispanic English speakers were the most likely.     

Socio-demographic determinants of initiation and duration of breastfeeding in northwest Russia

Aim: This study examines socio-demographic determinants of initiation and duration of breastfeeding in a community-based cohort in northwest Russia. Methods: All infants born to women who were registered at the antenatal clinics in Severodvinsk in 1999 comprised the cohort (n=1399) and were followed up at 1 y. Data on maternal and infant characteristics as well as the duration of breastfeeding were obtained from medical records. Proportional hazard analysis was applied to quantify the effect of the selected factors on the risk of breastfeeding discontinuation adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Only 1.3% of infants were never breastfed. Breastfeeding rates were 75.0% and 47.2% at 3 and 6 mo, respectively. Maternal age and early initiation of prenatal care were positively associated with breastfeeding initiation rates. Increased risks of breastfeeding discontinuation were found in teenage mothers (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99), in mothers with basic education (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.06-2.66) and in unmarried mothers (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.03-1.38). Women with no previous deliveries were more likely to breastfeed longer (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.90).

Conclusions: Compared with previous studies in Russia, almost universal initiation and considerably higher rates of breastfeeding at specific time points were found. Social variations in initiation and duration of breastfeeding should raise concern of inequalities in breastfeeding practices in transitional Russia.     

Disparities in Maternal-Infant Drug Testing,Social Work Assessment,and Custody at 5 Hospitals

ObjectiveTo evaluate for disparities in peripartum toxicology testing among maternal-infant dyads across a hospital network and subsequent child protective services (CPS) involvement.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 59,425 deliveries at 5 hospitals in Massachusetts between 2016 and 2020. We evaluated associations between maternal characteristics, toxicology testing, and child welfare involvement with disproportionality risk ratios and hierarchical logistical regression.ResultsToxicology testing was performed on 1959 (3.3%) dyads. Younger individuals and individuals of color were more likely to be tested for cannabis use or maternal medical complications compared to white non-Hispanic individuals. Among those without a substance use disorder, age <25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43–3.26), race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black (aOR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.52–2.13), Hispanic (aOR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05–1.45), mixed race/other (aOR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.87), unavailable race (aOR 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32–2.79), and public insurance (Medicaid [aOR 2.61; 95% CI, 2.27–3.00], Medicare [aOR 13.76; 95% CI, 9.99–18.91]) had increased odds of toxicology testing compared to older, white non-Hispanic, and privately insured individuals. The disproportionality ratios in testing were greater than 1.0 for individuals under 25 years old (3.8), Hispanic individuals (1.6), non-Hispanic Black individuals (1.8), individuals of other race (1.2), unavailable race (1.8), and individuals with public insurance (Medicaid 2.6; Medicare 10.6). Among dyads tested, race and ethnicity was not associated with CPS involvement.ConclusionsPeripartum toxicology testing is disproportionately performed on non-white, younger, and poorer individuals and their infants, with cannabis use and medical complications prompting testing more often for patients of color than for white non-Hispanic individuals.     

Ethnic differences in adolescent substance initiation sequences

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate ethnic differences in the initiation sequences of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use among US high school students and to determine if ethnicity is a predictor of progression from licit to illicit substances or initiation of illicit substances before licit substances. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1995 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. SETTING: US high schools. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 8550 high school students randomly selected by cluster design. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Respondents were categorized based on self-reported sequence of initiating substances as follows: none, licit substances only, licit substances then illicit substances (typical), illicit substances first (reverse), and licit and illicit substances at the same time (concurrent). RESULTS: Adjusting for age, maternal education, and region, progression from licit to illicit substances was significantly associated with black ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.1) and male sex (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6). Black male and Latino female students whose mothers completed at least high school were more likely than white students with similarly educated mothers to initiate illicit substances before licit substances (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7-5.3; and OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.7-20; respectively). Similar trends were noted for the concurrent sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of initiating tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use differs by ethnicity. Maternal education may be a proxy variable for other significant risk factors.     

Maternal obesity and initiation and duration of breastfeeding: data from the longitudinal study of Australian children

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the lower rate of breastfeeding at 6 months by overweight and obese mothers is primarily due to these women giving up breastfeeding in the first week postpartum using a cross-sectional population survey. The sample is children from the infant cohort (about 12 months of age) of Wave 1 (2004) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children for whom breastfeeding and maternal information were available ( n  = 3075). Definitions used: normal-weight body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) 20 to <25, overweight BMI 25 to <30, obese BMI ≥30. Breastfeeding initiation was 95.1% for normal-weight women, 92.8% for overweight women and 87.1% for obese women. At 6 months, 64% of normal-weight women were breastfeeding, compared with 54% of overweight and 44% of obese women. On multivariate analysis, for women who initiated breastfeeding, overweight women had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 2.28] and obese women had an OR of 2.54 (95% CI 1.70, 3.79) of stopping breastfeeding by 1 week compared with normal-weight women (adjusted for maternal age, education, smoking, level of socio-economic disadvantage, caesarean birth, admission to special care nursery). For women who breastfed for at least 1 week, overweight women had an adjusted OR of 1.26 (1.04, 1.53) and obese women had an adjusted OR of 1.38 (1.10, 1.73) of ceasing to breastfeed before 6 months, compared with normal-weight women. In conclusion, among overweight/obese women who initiate breastfeeding, higher rates of cessation of breastfeeding in both the immediate postpartum period and in the first 6 months contribute to the shorter duration.     

Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Northwest: Disparities Related to Race/Ethnicity and Substance Use

Background and ObjectivesMothers who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are disproportionately impacted by substance use in pregnancy and less likely to breastfeed. Our objectives were to assess relationships between substance use in pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (EBF) and race/ethnicity and EBF, and determine the extent to which substance use influences the relationship between race/ethnicity and EBF.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of term mother-infant dyads using 2016 to 2019 data from a Northwest quality improvement collaborative, Obstetrical Care Outcomes Assessment Program. Stepwise and stratified multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between independent variables consisting of characteristics, including maternal race/ethnicity and substance use, and the dependent variable, EBF.ResultsOur sample consisted of 84,742 dyads, 69.5% of whom had EBF. The adjusted odds of EBF for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic mothers were half, and for American Indian/Alaska Native mothers two-thirds, that of White mothers (aOR [95% CI]: 0.52 [0.48, 0.57], 0.51 [0.48, 0.54], 0.64 [0.55, 0.76], respectively). Substance use did not mediate the association between race/ethnicity and EBF, but it modified the association. Among those reporting nicotine or marijuana use, Hispanic mothers were half as likely as White mothers were to exclusively breastfeed. Other factors associated with a lower likelihood of EBF included public or no insurance, rural setting, C-section, NICU admission, and LBW.ConclusionsDisparities in EBF related to race/ethnicity and substance use were pronounced in this study, particularly among Hispanic mothers with nicotine or marijuana use.     

Cranial computed tomography use among children with minor blunt head trauma: association with race/ethnicity

OBJECTIVE To determine if patient race/ethnicity is independently associated with cranial computed tomography (CT) use among children with minor blunt head trauma. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. SETTING Pediatric research network of 25 North American emergency departments. PATIENTS In total, 42?412 children younger than 18 years were seen within 24 hours of minor blunt head trauma. Of these, 39?717 were of documented white non-Hispanic, black non-Hispanic, or Hispanic race/ethnicity. Using a previously validated clinical prediction rule, we classified each child's risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury to describe injury severity. Because no meaningful differences in cranial CT rates were observed between children of black non-Hispanic race/ethnicity vs Hispanic race/ethnicity, we combined these 2 groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Cranial CT use in the emergency department, stratified by race/ethnicity. RESULTS In total, 13?793 children (34.7%) underwent cranial CT. The odds of undergoing cranial CT among children with minor blunt head trauma who were at higher risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury did not differ by race/ethnicity. In adjusted analyses, children of black non-Hispanic or Hispanic race/ethnicity had lower odds of undergoing cranial CT among those who were at intermediate risk (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.96) or lowest risk (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.65-0.80) for clinically important traumatic brain injury. Regardless of risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury, parental anxiety and request was commonly cited by physicians as an important influence for ordering cranial CT in children of white non-Hispanic race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Disparities may arise from the overuse of cranial CT among patients of nonminority races/ethnicities. Further studies should focus on explaining how medically irrelevant factors, such as patient race/ethnicity, can affect physician decision making, resulting in exposure of children to unnecessary health care risks.     

Morbidity in children born to women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in South Africa: does mode of feeding matter?

Aim: To examine infant morbidity risks associated with refraining from breastfeeding where it is used in an attempt to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: The population consisted of infants born to HIV-infected women in South Africa who were participating in a vitamin A intervention trial to prevent MTCT of HIV. Women chose to breastfeed or formula feed their infants according to UNAIDS guidelines. Actual feeding practices and morbidity were recorded at clinic follow-up visits at 1 wk, 6 wk, 3 mo and every 3 mo thereafter until 15 mo of age or cessation of breastfeeding. The infant's HIV status was assessed according to a predetermined algorithm. Results: HIV-infected infants who were never breastfed had a poorer outcome than those who were breastfed; 9 (60%) of those who were never breastfed had 3 or more morbidity episodes compared with 15 (32%) of breastfed children [odds ratio (OR) 4.05, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.91-20.63, p = 0.05]. During the first 2 mo of life, never-breastfed infants (regardless of HIV status) were nearly twice as likely to have had an illness episode than breastfed infants (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.17-3.13, p = 0.006).

Conclusion: The significant extra morbidity experienced in the first few months by all never-breastfed infants and at all times by HIV-infected infants who are not breastfed needs to be considered in all decisions by mothers, health workers and policy makers so as not to offset any gains achieved by decreasing HIV transmission through avoiding breastfeeding.     

A randomized trial assessing the efficacy of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding in a predominantly Latina low-income community

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of peer counseling to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among low-income inner-city women in Hartford, Conn. DESIGN: Participants recruited prenatally were randomly assigned to either receive support for EBF from a peer counselor plus conventional breastfeeding support (peer counseling group [PC]) or only conventional breastfeeding support (control group [CG]) and followed through 3 months post partum. SETTING: Low-income predominantly Latina community. PARTICIPANTS: Expectant mothers, less than 32 weeks gestation and considering breastfeeding (N = 162).Intervention Exclusive breastfeeding peer counseling support offering 3 prenatal home visits, daily perinatal visits, 9 postpartum home visits, and telephone counseling as needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge, 1, 2, and 3 months post partum (n = 135). RESULTS: At hospital discharge, 24% in the CG compared with 9% in the PC had not initiated breastfeeding, with 56% and 41%, respectively, nonexclusively breastfeeding. At 3 months, 97% in the CG and 73% in the PC had not exclusively breastfed (relative risk [RR] = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.56) during the previous 24 hours. The likelihood of nonexclusive breastfeeding throughout the first 3 months was significantly higher for the CG than the PC (99% vs 79%; RR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.41). Mothers in the CG were less likely than their PC counterparts to remain amenorrheic at 3 months (33% vs 52%; RR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.95). The likelihood of having 1 or more diarrheal episode in infants was cut in half in the PC (18% vs 38%; RR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.16-3.97). CONCLUSION: Well-structured, intensive breastfeeding support provided by hospital and community-based peer counselors is effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates among low-income, inner-city women in the United States.     

First Hour Initiation of Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding at Six Weeks: Prevalence and Predictors in a Tertiary Care Setting

Objective

To assess the prevalence of first hour breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 wk and identify its barriers in healthy term babies born in a tertiary hospital setting.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was carried out in consecutively selected 400 mothers who delivered (normal, instrumental or cesarean) term healthy babies in a tertiary care hospital setting. All mother-infant dyads were enroled within 48 h of delivery.

Results

Breastfeeding was initiated within first hour in 255 out of 400, i.e., 64 % of babies. Cesarean delivery and male gender were strongest risk factors for delayed initiation of breastfeeding [OR (95 % CI)?=?1.99 (1.14–3.48) and 34.17 (17.10–70.40) respectively]. Among the babies followed up till 6–8 wk, 83 % were exclusively breastfed. Breast milk substitutes were given in 172/400 (43 %) babies on day one, which emerged as an independent predictor of failure to continue exclusive breastfeeding at 6 wk (OR 2.96; 95 % CI 1.09–8.06). Odds of exclusive breastfeeding were two times higher in babies breastfed within first hour (n?=?255/400, 64 %) when compared to babies initiated breastfeeds beyond first hour (n?=?145/400, 36 %) (OR 2.01;05 % CI 1.12–3.61).

Conclusions

Cesarean section and male gender emerged as significant risk factors for delayed initiation (beyond first hour) of breastfeeding in the index study cohort. In addition, use of breast milk substitute emerged as the only predictor for failure to continue exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks in a tertiary care hospital.     

Premature cessation of breastfeeding in infants: development and evaluation of a predictive model in two Argentinian cohorts: the CLACYD study, 1993-1999. Córdoba Lactation, Feeding, Growth and Development study.

The objective of this study was to develop a model to predict premature cessation of breastfeeding of newborns, in order to detect at-risk groups that would benefit from special assistance programmes. The model was constructed using 700 children with a birthweight of 2000 g or more, in 2 representative cohorts in 1993 and 1995 (CLACYD I sample) in Córdoba, Argentina. Data were analysed from 632 of the cases. Mothers were selected during hospital admittance for childbirth and interviewed in their homes at 1 mo and 6 mo. To evaluate the model, an additional sample with similar characteristics was drawn during 1998 (CLACYD II sample). A questionnaire was administered to 347 mothers during the first 24-48 h after birth and a follow-up was completed at 6 mo, with weaning information on 291 cases. Premature cessation of breastfeeding was considered when it occurred prior to 6 mo. A logistic regression model was fitted to predict premature end of breastfeeding, and was applied to the CLACYD II sample. The calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow C statistic) and the discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve] of the model were evaluated. The predictive factors of premature end of breastfeeding were: mother breastfed for less than 6 mo [odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.70], breastfeeding of previous child for less than 6 mo (OR = 4.01, 95% CI 2.58-6.20), the condition of the firstborn child (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.79-4.21), the first mother-child contact occurring after 90 min of life (OR = 1.88; 95% CI 1.22-2.91) and having an unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05-2.15). The calibration of the model was acceptable in the CLACYD I sample (p = 0.54), as well as in the CLACYD II sample (p = 0.18). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.72 and 0.68, respectively. Conclusion: A model has been suggested that provides some insight onto background factors for the premature end of breastfeeding. Although some limitations prevent its general use at a population level, it may be a useful tool in the identification of women with a high probability of early weaning.     

Infant and young child feeding practices and nutritional status in Bhutan

In South Asia, childhood undernutrition persists while overweight is increasing. Internationally recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices promote healthy nutritional status; however, little is known about IYCF in Bhutan, investigated here using 2015 National Nutrition Survey data. WHO/UNICEF IYCF indicators, anthropometry and household socio‐economic status were available for 441 children <24 months. Stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence (2) prevalence was 6%. In survey‐design‐adjusted analyses, 52% of mothers of 0‐ to 5‐month olds reported exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), with EBF less common for girls than boys (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.1–0.9]). Although 61% of children were breastfed at 2 years and 75% of children >6 months met a minimum daily meal frequency, only 18% of children 6–23 months met minimum dietary diversity. IYCF was unassociated with risk of stunting, wasting, or underweight, possibly due to relatively low prevalence of anthropometric failure and small sample size. However, currently‐breastfed children were less often overweight [OR: ~0.1 (95% upper limit ≤1.0)]. Neither breastfeeding nor most complementary feeding practices differed by socio‐economic status, but children in the highest two fifth of a wealth index had 7.8 (1.3–46.9) and 5.3 (1.1–25.2) times greater odds than children in the lowest fifth of meeting minimum dietary diversity criteria. Low rates of EBF, given possible protection of breastfeeding against overweight, and inadequate dietary diversity offer evidence to guide future program interventions to improve nutritional status of young children.     

Associations of body mass index and perceived weight with suicide ideation and suicide attempts among US high school students

BACKGROUND: Previous research with adolescents has shown associations of body weight and perceptions of body size with suicide ideation and suicide attempts, but it is unclear whether these associations are direct or whether a mediating effect exists. OBJECTIVES: To determine if body mass index and perceived weight are associated significantly with suicide ideation and suicide attempts, controlling for weight control practices, and if perceived weight mediates the associations of body mass index with suicide ideation and suicide attempts. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were analyzed from the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a school-based survey administered to a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9 through 12 (N = 13 601). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported past-year suicide ideation and suicide attempts, compared by perceived weight and body mass index category, calculated from self-reported height and weight. RESULTS: Body mass index category was associated significantly with suicide ideation (among all students) and suicide attempts (among white and Hispanic students) without perceived weight in the model but not with perceived weight added to the model. In contrast with those who perceive themselves as about the right weight, students who perceived themselves as very underweight (odds ratio [OR], 2.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.46-3.59]), slightly underweight (OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.03-1.79]), slightly overweight (OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.12-1.58]), and very overweight (OR, 2.50 [95% CI, 1.73-3.60]) had greater adjusted odds of suicide ideation. Among white students, perceiving oneself as very underweight (OR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.40-6.58]) or very overweight (OR, 2.74 [95% CI, 1.21-6.23]) was associated with greater odds of suicide attempts. Perceiving oneself as very underweight was associated with greater odds for suicide attempts among black (OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.10-7.45]) and Hispanic (OR, 3.40 [95% CI, 1.54-7.51]) students. CONCLUSIONS: How adolescents perceive their body weight may be more important than their actual weight in terms of increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Regardless of body mass index, extreme perceptions of weight appear to be significant risk factors for suicidal behavior; important racial/ethnic differences exist.     

Association of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection With Early Breastfeeding

ObjectiveThe association of maternal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) status before delivery with breastfeeding is unknown. This study compares breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration between SARS-CoV-2-positive (+) and SARS-CoV-2-negative (-) mothers during the first 2 months of their newborns’ lives.MethodsA single center, retrospective cohort study of pediatric contacts during the first 2 months in a diverse mother-infant population (n = 285) compared breastfeeding outcomes by maternal SARS-CoV-2 status during a pandemic surge. Infants of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers were also tested before discharge. Comparison of maternal demographics (age, race, ethnicity), maternal/infant characteristics (parity, insurance, delivery mode, infant sex, hospital length of stay), and pediatric contacts by maternal SARS-CoV-2 status included Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon tests and Poisson regression for count outcomes. Logistic regression compared breastfeeding outcomes between the 2 groups, adjusting for potential confounders and effect modifiers.ResultsMaternal demographics and maternal/infant characteristics were similar. While 19% of mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 54), their infants were all negative. SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers had fewer in-person, but more virtual pediatric contacts. After controlling for the above variables, SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers had lower odds of breastfeeding initiation within 1 to 7 days of life (78% vs 88%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17, 0.96) and of any breastfeeding during month 2 (54% vs 76%; aOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.86) compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative mothers.ConclusionsMaternal SARS-CoV-2 positivity at delivery was independently associated with less initiation and shorter duration of any breastfeeding during month 2. SARS-CoV-2 positive women would likely benefit from additional breastfeeding support during pandemic surges.     

Determinants of breastfeeding initiation in Xinjiang, PR China, 2003-2004

AIM: To identify the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and the determinants of the breastfeeding initiation in Xinjiang, PR China, 2003-2004. METHODS: A cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China. A total 1219 mothers were randomly recruited in five hospitals or institutes located in urban and rural areas during 2003 and 2004. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with breastfeeding initiation. RESULTS: Before discharge from hospital, 92.2% of the mothers were breastfeeding including 66.2% who were exclusively breastfed. A total of 88 mothers (7.8%) were not breastfeeding on discharge from hospital. Breastfeeding before discharge was positively associated giving breastmilk as the first feed (OR 4.05, CI 1.30-12.65) feeding on demand (OR 4.33, CI 1.69-11.08), when the mother felt she had been given enough information about breastfeeding, belonging to a minority ethnic group (OR 3.13, CI 1.21-5.05) and giving birth in spring or summer. CONCLUSIONS: This study has documented breastfeeding initiation rate and associated factors with it in Xinjiang, PR China.     

Risk of preterm birth in multiparous teenagers

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of teenage primiparas have found little or no association between young maternal age and preterm birth. However, the risk of preterm birth in teenage multiparas should not be overlooked because of the high rate of repeat teenage pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of preterm birth in teenage and adult multiparas. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of US Natality Files, 1990 to 1996. METHODS: We calculated the risk of very preterm birth (<33 weeks' gestation) for multiparas aged 10 to 20 years compared with 25-year-olds, stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were estimated controlling for maternal education, marital status, prenatal care, and previous preterm births. Effects of smoking and interpregnancy interval were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Throughout adolescence, multiparas face higher AORs for very preterm births. For white non-Hispanic multiparas compared with 25-year-old multiparas, 10- to 14-year-olds had an AOR of 4.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.26-7.88), 15- to 17-year-olds had an AOR of 2.19 (95% CI, 1.99-2.42), 18- and 19-year-olds had an AOR of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.58-1.80), and 20-year-olds had an AOR of 1.33 (95% CI, 1.24-1.41). A similar pattern of decreasing AOR with increasing maternal age was observed for black non-Hispanic and Hispanic mothers, although wide race/ethnicity disparities exist. Adjusting for maternal smoking and short interpregnancy interval did not change these results. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of very preterm birth in teenage multiparas is associated with young age after controlling for other risk factors. Interventions to prevent repeat pregnancies and the associated risk of premature birth deserve high priority.