Factors associated with breastfeeding duration in three cities in the region of Alto Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify and analyze variables associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding in the Alto Jequitinhonha region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study, using retrospective data, in three cities of the region. All children up to 24 months of age were considered in the study, with a total sample of 450 children. Statistical analyses employed the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. Three variables were found to be associated with breastfeeding duration. Risk of premature interruption was 1.59 [1.08;2.36] times higher if the father had completed the second grade or greater in school, 1.52 [1.00;2.34] times higher if the father did not live with the child, and 3.07 [2.17;4.34] times higher if child had used a pacifier. Thus, greater education of fathers, use of pacifiers by children, and fathers not living with the children were factors associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding.