Motivation for breastfeeding : a matter of educational level?

Abstract: Background: The incidence of breastfeeding at hospital discharge is high; however, its prevalence is low up to the age of 2 years. Objectives: The aim of this study is to verify the relationship between motivation towards breastfeeding and sociodemographic and obstetric variables, and to analyse the inluence of those variables on motivation for breastfeeding when compared to educational level. Materials and methods: This is a quantitative, correlational, descriptive and analytic study. The sample is non-probabilistic with 479 puerperal women (on the day of hospital discharge). The data collection instrument is a questionnaire for sociodemographic and obstetric characterisation and includes the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale. Results: In the sample, 59.5% have higher education, 73.9% are employed and 55.3% live in urban areas. 48.0% are irst-time mothers, 92.4% have a planned pregnancy. Most deliveries were at term (68.4%). Almost all (9 in 10) are found to be highly motivated to breastfeed. Age, marital status, residence and educational attainment did not inluence the overall motivation for breastfeeding. The unemployed are the most motivated. Multiparous mothers are more motivated. The relationship between the other obstetric variables and motivation for breastfeeding has not been proven. The mediator variable (educational level) only had an impact on residence, where those residing in urban areas and with higher education are more motivated in the physiological dimension, followed by residents in urban with qualiications up to secondary education. Conclusion: We suggest that a working group is created with activities in the school community to elucidate young people about the importance of breastfeeding based on the guidelines laid out in the breastfeeding policy.The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the project PEst-OE/CED/UI4016/2011, and the Center for Studies in Education, Technologies and Health (CI&DETS).