Abstract

SALIBA, Nemre Adas; ZINA, Lívia Guimarães; MOIMAZ, Suzely Adas Saliba  and  SALIBA, Orlando. Frequency and associated variables to breastfeeding among infant up to 12 months of age in Araçatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Rev. Bras. Saude Mater. Infant. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.4, pp. 481-490. ISSN 1519-3829.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1519-38292008000400014.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding among infants receiving care in Araçatuba, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil; to assess associated variables relating to mother and child and the mother's knowledge regarding the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health. METHODS: cross-sectional study. Data was collected during the National Immunization Campaign, in 2005. One hundred mothers of children up to 12 months of age were interviewed. The frequency of breastfeeding was estimated using a survival analysis and statistical analyses were carried out to assess the association between breastfeeding and independent variables. RESULTS: the prevalence of breastfeeding, at 6 and 12 months was 22.2% (exclusive) and 65% (total). The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 3.65 months. The variables associated with weaning were use of a bottle (χ²=9.537; p=0.002) and of a pacifier (χ²=14.667; p=0.001). Few mothers (33) demonstrated knowledge of the influence of breastfeeding on their children's oral health, the dentist being more often mentioned as responsible for providing this information. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of breastfeeding was satisfactory, although rates for exclusive breastfeeding were low. The use of a bottle and a pacifier were positively associated as determining factors with weaning. The government, media and health professionals must improve effective actions to promote breastfeeding.

Keywords : Breast feeding; Oral health; Child welfare; Risk factors.