OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors associated to interruption of exclusive breastfeeding among children <6 months of age in São Paulo city in 2008. METHODS: A special questionnaire (Breastfeeding and Cities Project-1998) was applied to the parents/guardians of children <6 months of age during the National Poliomyelitis Campaign. Sample calculation used a two stage cluster sampling procedure. The following groups were compared: I (children exclusively breastfed); II (children without exclusive breastfeeding). Factors analyzed: mother's age and schooling, infant birth weight, gender, type of delivery, being born in a Baby-Friendly Hospital, presence of early breastfeeding, use of pacifier in the last 24 hours, and mother working outside home. Statistical analysis included binary logistic regression by SPSS 15.0, being significant p<0.05. RESULTS: 724 interviews were performed with 275 (39.1%) children in Group I and 429 (60.9%) in Group II. Differences between groups were found on: use of pacifier in the last 24 hours (GI 32.3 vs. GII59.8%; p<0.0001), mothers working outside home (GI 12.4 vs. GII 24.8%; p=0.0002) and child's age(GI 74.1±45.3 vs. GII105.8±49.5 days; p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed significant association of non-exclusive breastfeeding in this sample with use of pacifier in the last 24 hours (OR 3.02; 95%CI 2.10-4.36); mother working outside home (OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.24-3.57), and child's age (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.01-1.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this population under six months of age, the use of pacifier in the last 24 hours was associated with not being exclusively breastfed, as well as mother work outside home and child's age. These are important factors to consider in breastfeeding promotion programs.
breast feeding; weaning; risk factors
