Factors associated with breastfeeding abandonment in the first month after the mother's return to work.

The return to work of lactating mothers has been identified as an important risk factor for breastfeeding interruption. We proposed to identify factors associated with breastfeeding abandonment in the first month after return. 252 women working at a hospital who had children aged 12 to 36 months and who were still breastfeeding when returned to work answered a questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and work-related factors. The associations were estimated using adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR), calculated with the hierarchical Poisson multivariable regression model. The following factors showed a significant association with breastfeeding abandonment: using a pacifier (aPR 4.58), cohabiting with someone other than partner (aPR 3.77), having no intention or having doubts about maintaining breastfeeding after returning (aPR 3.39), having a college degree (aPR 2.66), having no support from the infant's caregiver (aPR 2.26), and infant being older when the woman returned to work (PR 1.16 for each additional month of infant age). Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor (aPR 0.990). Most of the factors associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding in the first month after the mother's return to work are not directly related to the woman's work.

Factors associated with breastfeeding abandonment in the first month after the mother's return to work / Fatores associados ao abandono do aleitamento materno no primeiro mês após o retorno da lactante ao trabalho

Abstract The return to work of lactating mothers has been identified as an important risk factor for breastfeeding interruption. We proposed to identify factors associated with breastfeeding abandonment in the first month after return. 252 women working at a hospital who had children aged 12 to 36 months and who were still breastfeeding when returned to work answered a questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and work-related factors. The associations were estimated using adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR), calculated with the hierarchical Poisson multivariable regression model. The following factors showed a significant association with breastfeeding abandonment: using a pacifier (aPR 4.58), cohabiting with someone other than partner (aPR 3.77), having no intention or having doubts about maintaining breastfeeding after returning (aPR 3.39), having a college degree (aPR 2.66), having no support from the infant's caregiver (aPR 2.26), and infant being older when the woman returned to work (PR 1.16 for each additional month of infant age). Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor (aPR 0.990). Most of the factors associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding in the first month after the mother's return to work are not directly related to the woman's work.

Resumo O retorno da lactante ao trabalho é apontado como importante fator de risco para interrupção da amamentação. Nós nos propusemos a identificar fatores associados ao abandono da amamentação no primeiro mês após o retorno. Compuseram a amostra 252 servidoras de um hospital com filhos entre 12 e 36 meses e que estavam amamentando quando retornaram ao trabalho, fornecendo informações sobre características sociodemográficas, gestação, parto, amamentação e fatores relacionados ao trabalho. As associações foram estimadas pela razão de prevalência ajustada (RPa), obtida usando modelo hierárquico de regressão multivariada de Poisson. Os seguintes fatores mostraram associação significativa com abandono da amamentação: uso de chupeta (RPa 4,58), coabitação com outra pessoa que não o companheiro (RPa 3,77), não ter intenção ou ter dúvidas sobre amamentar após retorno (RPa 3,39), ter curso superior (RPa 2,66), não ter apoio do cuidador da criança (RPa 2,26) e maior idade da criança quando a mãe retornou ao trabalho (RPa 1,16 para cada mês de idade a mais da criança). Maior duração da amamentação exclusiva foi fator de proteção (RPa 0,990). A maioria dos fatores associados à descontinuidade da amamentação no primeiro mês após retorno da lactante ao trabalho não está diretamente relacionada ao seu trabalho.

Psychometric properties of the Child Development Assessment Questionnaire (QAD-PIPAS) for use in population studies involving Brazilian children aged 0-59 months

Abstract Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Child Development Assessment Questionnaire (QAD-PIPAS). Methods: This methodological study was comprised of two axes. The first one aimed to analyze the instrument's construct validity (discriminant and concurrent validity) and internal consistency, and the second one examined test-retest reliability, involving two different samples and procedures. For construct validity and internal consistency, the sample was recruited in Embu das Artes-SP, Brasilia-DF and Recife-PE during the immunization campaign in 2017, involving caregivers of 2005 children under 60 months of age (1295 under 36 and 710 from 37 to 59 months). For the test-retest analysis the sample consisted of 30 children aged 0-59 months old that attended daycare centers in Embu das Artes-SP in 2018. Results: Multivariate analyses of construct validity showed that the QAD-PIPAS was able to identify the association between the outcome (suspected child development delays) and expected risk and protective factors based on Nurturing Care Framework (OMS/UNICEF). A significant positive correlation was achieved between the scores of the QAD-PIPAS and CREDI in six of the eight age groups analyzed, with the most significant correlations being in the age groups from 25 to 30 and 31-36 months. Acceptable internal consistencies were identified in all age groups, with better performance above 36 months of age (Cronbach's alpha between 0.61 to 0.80). We also found an adequate test-retest reliability (global Kappa 0.81). Conclusion: The QAD-PIPAS showed evidence of construct validity and reliability to be used in population studies involving children aged 0-59 months during multi-vaccination campaigns in Brazil.

Psychometric properties of the Child Development Assessment Questionnaire (QAD-PIPAS) for use in population studies involving Brazilian children aged 0-59 months.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Child Development Assessment Questionnaire (QAD-PIPAS). METHODS: This methodological study was comprised of two axes. The first one aimed to analyze the instrument's construct validity (discriminant and concurrent validity) and internal consistency, and the second one examined test-retest reliability, involving two different samples and procedures. For construct validity and internal consistency, the sample was recruited in Embu das Artes-SP, Brasilia-DF and Recife-PE during the immunization campaign in 2017, involving caregivers of 2005 children under 60 months of age (1295 under 36 and 710 from 37 to 59 months). For the test-retest analysis the sample consisted of 30 children aged 0-59 months old that attended daycare centers in Embu das Artes-SP in 2018. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses of construct validity showed that the QAD-PIPAS was able to identify the association between the outcome (suspected child development delays) and expected risk and protective factors based on Nurturing Care Framework (OMS/UNICEF). A significant positive correlation was achieved between the scores of the QAD-PIPAS and CREDI in six of the eight age groups analyzed, with the most significant correlations being in the age groups from 25 to 30 and 31-36 months. Acceptable internal consistencies were identified in all age groups, with better performance above 36 months of age (Cronbach's alpha between 0.61 to 0.80). We also found an adequate test-retest reliability (global Kappa 0.81). CONCLUSION: The QAD-PIPAS showed evidence of construct validity and reliability to be used in population studies involving children aged 0-59 months during multi-vaccination campaigns in Brazil.

All day-long pacifier use and intelligence quotient in childhood: A birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Literature on pacifier use remains controversial, but mostly suggests an inverse association with childhood intelligence. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the association between pacifier use and intelligence quotient (IQ) in six-year-old children from a birth cohort. METHODS: Data from 3532 children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analysed. Children were recruited and assessed at birth and followed up at 3 months, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 years. Data on pacifier use duration and intensity were obtained via interviews with mothers in all six follow-up visits. IQ was estimated at 6 years using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and standardised for the analyses. Crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated (linear regression) for all the data collected in follow-up assessments for pacifier use. RESULTS: IQ was inversely associated with all pacifier use indicators. Children who used a pacifier all day long (ADL) at any follow-up showed an IQ 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11, 0.24) standard deviations below those who never used it ADL, after adjusting for confounders. The strength of association increased with number of assessments reporting ADL pacifier use, from a reduction in IQ of 0.13 (95% CI 0.06, 0.21) to 0.34 (95% CI 0.15, 0.52) standard deviations for ADL use in one and in all four follow-up visits, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong association between intense pacifier use up to 4 years of age and lower IQ at 6 years. A dose-response gradient was observed, with greater IQ deficits in children who used a ADL pacifier for longer durations. The mechanisms underlying this association need to be clarified. One hypothesis is that children using a pacifier, especially those who use it more intensely, are less stimulated.

Development and validation of an instrument for monitoring child development indicators / Elaboração e validação de um instrumento para monitoramento de indicadores do desenvolvimento infantil

Abstract Objective: To create and validate an instrument for child development monitoring. Methods: Methodological study, based on the World Bank's proposition to monitor child development indicators in low- and middle-income countries. The stages of the study included the following: development of an inventory of items for child development evaluation, based on open access instruments; content validation by a group of experts on the topic, using consensus techniques; selection of questions to describe children and their families; pre-test of the instrument during the vaccination campaign in 2016 in three municipalities, and conducting cognitive interviews. Results: A total of 431 items were sent for the evaluation of the specialists; 77 were initially excluded and the others were evaluated in-person by the group, with 162 items covering the motor, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional domains, distributed in ten age ranges. Questions about health, nutrition, early learning, protection and safety, and responsive care were also included. The instrument was applied by volunteer undergraduate students to 367 mothers of children under 5 years, showing good adherence of the caregivers. The time of application of the questionnaire was, on average, 20 minutes. The cognitive interviews allowed the final adjustment of 19 items of the instrument for better understanding by the caregivers. Conclusions: The instrument created and validated by experts fills a gap, as it allows a comprehensive evaluation of the development of children under 5 years at the population level, using a fast and inexpensive tool, and can be useful for monitoring indicators of development in Brazilian children in vaccination campaigns.

Resumo Objetivo: Elaborar e validar um instrumento para o monitoramento de indicadores do desenvolvimento infantil. Métodos: Estudo metodológico baseado na proposta do Banco Mundial para medir indicadores do desenvolvimento infantil em países de baixa e média renda. As etapas do estudo contemplaram: elaboração de um inventário de itens para avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil, com base em instrumentos de livre acesso; validação de conteúdo por um grupo de especialistas no tema, com técnicas de consenso; seleção de questões para descrever as crianças e suas famílias; pré-teste do instrumento durante a campanha de vacinação de 2016 em três municípios e realização de entrevistas cognitivas. Resultados: Foram enviados 431 itens para avaliação dos especialistas, 77 foram excluídos e os demais apreciados presencialmente pelo grupo. No fim foram selecionados 162 itens que abrangeram os domínios motor, cognitivo, de linguagem e socioemocional, distribuídos em 10 faixas etárias. Foram incluídas questões sobre saúde, nutrição, aprendizagem precoce, proteção e segurança e cuidado responsivo. O instrumento foi aplicado por universitários voluntários a 367 mães de crianças menores de cinco anos, mostrou boa adesão dos cuidadores. O tempo médio de aplicação do questionário foi 20 minutos. As entrevistas cognitivas permitiram ajustar 19 itens do instrumento para melhor compreensão dos cuidadores. Conclusões: O instrumento construído e validado por especialistas preenche uma lacuna, que permite uma avaliação abrangente do desenvolvimento de crianças menores de cinco anos, em nível populacional, de forma rápida e barata, pode ser útil para o monitoramento de indicadores do desenvolvimento em campanhas de vacinação.

Validation of a tool to evaluate women's satisfaction with breastfeeding for the Brazilian population / Validação de instrumento para avaliação da satisfação da mulher com a amamentaçãopara a população brasileira

Abstract Objective To perform the construct validity and the internal consistency of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale tool, aiming at its application in the Brazilian population. Methods Cross-sectional study that applied the tool to 287 Brazilian women 30 days after childbirth. Main component analysis with varimax rotation was used for the factor analysis, verifying the number of subscales and the maintenance or extraction of the components. Four hypotheses were tested using the unpaired Student's t-test for construct validation. The reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results The exploratory factor analysis identified the need to exclude an item and to reformulate the subscales. The results of the construct validity showed that all hypotheses proposed were confirmed: women who were breastfeeding, those who were exclusively breastfeeding, those who did not have problems related to breastfeeding, and those who intended to breastfeed for at least 12 months achieved significantly higher mean values in the scale. The tool showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86-0.90), as did the pleasure and fulfillment of the maternal role subscales (0.92, 95% CI: 0.91-0.93%); child growth, development, and satisfaction (0.70; 95% CI: 0.65-0.75); and maternal physical, social, and emotional aspects (0.75, 95% CI: 0.70-0.79). Conclusions The validation process of the Brazilian version of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale tool showed that it is valid and reliable tool to be applied to the Brazilian population.

Resumo Objetivo Realizar a validação de constructo e avaliar a consistência interna do instrumento Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale, visando à sua aplicação na população brasileira. Métodos Estudo transversal com aplicação do instrumento a 287 mulheres brasileiras após 30 dias do nascimento da criança. Para a análise fatorial utilizou-se a análise de componentes principais com rotação varimax, verificando o número de subescalas e a manutenção ou extração dos componentes. Para a validação de constructo quatro hipóteses foram testadas pelo teste T-student não pareado. A análise de confiabilidade foi realizada utilizando o coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach. Resultados A análise fatorial exploratória identificou a necessidade de exclusão de um item e a reformulação das subescalas. Os resultados da validade de constructo mostraram que todas as hipóteses propostas foram confirmadas: as mulheres que estavam amamentando, as que estavam em amamentação exclusiva, as que não apresentavam problemas relacionados à amamentação e aquelas com intenção de amamentar por pelo menos 12 meses apresentaram valores médios significativamente superiores na escala. O instrumento apresentou consistência interna adequada (alfa de Cronbach = 0,88; IC95%: 0,86-0,90), assim como as subescalas prazer e realização do papel materno (0,92; IC95%: 0,91-0,93), crescimento, desenvolvimento e satisfação infantil (0,70; IC95%: 0,65-0,75) e aspectos físico, social e emocional materno (0,75; IC95%: 0,70-0,79). Conclusões O processo de validação do instrumento Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale/BRASIL constatou que ele é válido e confiável para ser aplicado à população brasileira.

Validation of a tool to evaluate women's satisfaction with breastfeeding for the Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the construct validity and the internal consistency of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale tool, aiming at its application in the Brazilian population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that applied the tool to 287 Brazilian women 30 days after childbirth. Main component analysis with varimax rotation was used for the factor analysis, verifying the number of subscales and the maintenance or extraction of the components. Four hypotheses were tested using the unpaired Student's t-test for construct validation. The reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis identified the need to exclude an item and to reformulate the subscales. The results of the construct validity showed that all hypotheses proposed were confirmed: women who were breastfeeding, those who were exclusively breastfeeding, those who did not have problems related to breastfeeding, and those who intended to breastfeed for at least 12 months achieved significantly higher mean values in the scale. The tool showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.88, 95% CI: 0.86-0.90), as did the pleasure and fulfillment of the maternal role subscales (0.92, 95% CI: 0.91-0.93%); child growth, development, and satisfaction (0.70; 95% CI: 0.65-0.75); and maternal physical, social, and emotional aspects (0.75, 95% CI: 0.70-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The validation process of the Brazilian version of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale tool showed that it is valid and reliable tool to be applied to the Brazilian population.

Development and validation of an instrument for monitoring child development indicators.

OBJECTIVE: To create and validate an instrument for child development monitoring. METHODS: Methodological study, based on the World Bank's proposition to monitor child development indicators in low- and middle-income countries. The stages of the study included the following: development of an inventory of items for child development evaluation, based on open access instruments; content validation by a group of experts on the topic, using consensus techniques; selection of questions to describe children and their families; pre-test of the instrument during the vaccination campaign in 2016 in three municipalities, and conducting cognitive interviews. RESULTS: A total of 431 items were sent for the evaluation of the specialists; 77 were initially excluded and the others were evaluated in-person by the group, with 162 items covering the motor, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional domains, distributed in ten age ranges. Questions about health, nutrition, early learning, protection and safety, and responsive care were also included. The instrument was applied by volunteer undergraduate students to 367 mothers of children under 5 years, showing good adherence of the caregivers. The time of application of the questionnaire was, on average, 20minutes. The cognitive interviews allowed the final adjustment of 19 items of the instrument for better understanding by the caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument created and validated by experts fills a gap, as it allows a comprehensive evaluation of the development of children under 5 years at the population level, using a fast and inexpensive tool, and can be useful for monitoring indicators of development in Brazilian children in vaccination campaigns.

Factors associated with the maintenance of breastfeeding for 6, 12, and 24 months in adolescent mothers.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that adolescent mothers present a higher risk of not breastfeeding or of early interruption of this practice. Considering the scarcity of studies investigating the determining factors of breastfeeding in adolescent mothers, and the absence of studies exploring the determining factors of breastfeeding maintenance for different periods of time in a single population of adolescent mothers, the aim of this research was to identify factors associated with breastfeeding maintenance for at least 6, 12, and 24 months in adolescent mothers. METHODS: Data analysis from a randomised control trial involving adolescent mothers recruited at a university hospital in southern Brazil. Participants were followed through the first year of life of their infants and reassessed at 4-7 years. Factors associated with any breastfeeding for at least 6, 12, and 24 months were assessed using multivariate Poisson regression. RESULTS: Data for 228, 237, and 207 mothers were available, respectively. Breastfeeding maintenance for at least 6, 12, and 24 months was observed in 68.4, 47.3, and 31.9% of the sample, respectively. Only one factor was associated with breastfeeding maintenance at all outcomes: infant not using a pacifier showed a higher probability of breastfeeding maintenance in the first 2 years. Maternal grandmother breastfeeding support and exclusive breastfeeding duration were associated with breastfeeding maintenance for 6 and 12 months. The other factors evaluated were associated with breastfeeding maintenance at only one of the time points assessed: 6 months, maternal skin color (black/brown); 12 months, female infant and partner breastfeeding support; and 24 months, older paternal age and multiparity. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings shed light upon barriers and facilitators of breastfeeding practices among adolescent mothers. In order to contribute to the challenge of increasing BF duration among adolescent mothers interventions aimed at boosting breastfeeding maintenance among this population should take into consideration the determining factors here identified. Additionally, breastfeeding education and support should be provided continuously as factors influencing these practices vary with time. Thus, support for adolescent mothers during the different stages of breastfeeding need to be tailored to have a positive impact on breastfeeding experience.

Infant feeding: beyond the nutritional aspects / Alimentação infantil: além dos aspectos nutricionais

ABSTRACT Objective: To draw attention to the importance of interaction between caregiver and child during feeding and the influence of parenting style on dietary habit formation. Source of data: A search was performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases for articles addressing responsive feeding; the articles considered most relevant by the authors were selected. Synthesis of data: The way children are fed is decisive for the formation of their eating habits, especially the strategies that parents/caregivers use to stimulate feeding. In this context, responsive feeding has been emphasized, with the key principles: feed the infant directly and assist older children when they already eat on their own; feed them slowly and patiently, and encourage children to eat but do not force them; if the child refuses many types of foods, experiment with different food combinations, tastes, textures, and methods of encouragement; minimize distractions during meals; and make the meals an opportunity for learning and love, talking to the child during feeding and maintaining eye contact. It is the caregiver's responsibility to be sensitive to the child's signs and alleviate tensions during feeding, and make feeding time pleasurable; whereas it is the child's role to clearly express signs of hunger and satiety and be receptive to the caregiver. Conclusion: Responsive feeding is very important in dietary habit formation and should be encouraged by health professionals in their advice to families.

RESUMO Objetivo: Chamar a atenção para a importância da interação entre cuidador e criança durante a alimentação e a influência do estilo de parentalidade na formação do hábito alimentar. Fontes dos dados: Foi feita busca nas bases de dados PubMed e Scopus de artigos que abordassem a alimentação responsiva e foram sido selecionados aqueles julgados mais relevantes pelos autores. Síntese dos dados: O modo de alimentar as crianças é decisivo na formação do hábito alimentar, sobretudo as estratégias que os pais/cuidadores usam para estimular a alimentação. Nesse contexto, a alimentação responsiva tem merecido destaque, tem como princípios-chave: alimentar a criança pequena diretamente e assistir as mais velhas quando elas já comem sozinhas; alimentar lenta e pacientemente e encorajar a criança a comer, mas não forçá-la; se a criança recusar muitos alimentos, experimentar diferentes combinações de alimentos, de gostos, texturas e métodos de encorajamento; minimizar distrações durante as refeições; e fazer das refeições oportunidades de aprendizado e amor, falar com a criança durante a alimentação e manter contato olho a olho. Cabe ao cuidador a responsabilidade de ser sensível aos sinais da criança e aliviar tensões durante a alimentação, além de torná-la prazerosa; enquanto é papel da criança expressar os sinais de fome e saciedade com clareza e ser receptiva ao cuidador. Conclusão: A alimentação responsiva é muito importante na formação dos hábitos alimentares e deve ser incentivada pelos profissionais de saúde, que orientarão as famílias sobre como praticá-la.

Infant feeding: beyond the nutritional aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to the importance of interaction between caregiver and child during feeding and the influence of parenting style on dietary habit formation. SOURCE OF DATA: A search was performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases for articles addressing responsive feeding; the articles considered most relevant by the authors were selected. SYNTHESIS OF DATA: The way children are fed is decisive for the formation of their eating habits, especially the strategies that parents/caregivers use to stimulate feeding. In this context, responsive feeding has been emphasized, with the key principles: feed the infant directly and assist older children when they already eat on their own; feed them slowly and patiently, and encourage children to eat but do not force them; if the child refuses many types of foods, experiment with different food combinations, tastes, textures, and methods of encouragement; minimize distractions during meals; and make the meals an opportunity for learning and love, talking to the child during feeding and maintaining eye contact. It is the caregiver's responsibility to be sensitive to the child's signs and alleviate tensions during feeding, and make feeding time pleasurable; whereas it is the child's role to clearly express signs of hunger and satiety and be receptive to the caregiver. CONCLUSION: Responsive feeding is very important in dietary habit formation and should be encouraged by health professionals in their advice to families.

Effect of breastfeeding promotion interventions on child growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To update a previous systematic review and meta-analyses about the effect of breastfeeding promotion interventions on child growth. METHODS: Studies evaluating the effect of any type of breastfeeding promotion intervention on child weight, length (or height) and weight/height (or BMI) were screened. Papers published between 2006 and 2014 were checked using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Lilacs and SciELO. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were added to 19 other studies identified in the previous review, resulting in 35 studies. Meta-analyses of studies reporting on mean weight, length, weight/length or BMI showed that the interventions had no impact on weight or length/height z scores [pooled effect: 0.03 (95% confidence interval: -0.06;0.12) and 0.03 (95% confidence interval: -0.02;0.08), respectively] and had a modest, but significant, reduction in body mass index/weight-for-height z scores [z score mean difference: -0.06 (95% confidence interval: -0.12;0.00)], which was limited to studies from low- and high-incomes settings. For all three outcomes, there was important heterogeneity among studies, which should be taken into account when interpreting the results. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding promotion interventions were not associated with significant changes in weight or length, but led to a modest, albeit significant, reduction in body mass index/weight-for-height z scores.

Trends in breastfeeding indicators in a city of northeastern Brazil / Tendência dos indicadores de aleitamento materno em uma cidade do Nordeste brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in breastfeeding indicators in the city of Feira de Santana, Brazil, and to identify population characteristics that might have influenced this trend. METHODS: Three methodologically comparable cross-sectional surveys performed in 1996, 2001, and 2009 were analyzed. These involved 2,159, 2,319, and 1,471 children younger than 1 year of age who were vaccinated in national multivaccination campaigns in the respective years. A standardized questionnaire was used, containing closed questions on consumption of breast milk and other foods on the day before the survey, along with questions regarding the characteristics of the population. RESULTS: The annual growth of the breastfeeding indicators was 2.1% for breastfeeding in the first hour of life (from 52.2% to 68.9%); 1.1% for breastfeeding among children aged 9 to 12 months (from 45% to 59.6%); and 0.8% for exclusive breastfeeding among infants younger than 6 months (from 36.9% to 47.4%). The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding increased from 52.3 to 84.3 days, and overall breastfeeding from 278 to 376 days. Some changes in the characteristics of the population were observed, which may have positively influenced the evolution of the breastfeeding indicators (better schooling level among the mothers, less use of dummies/pacifiers, and lower proportions of adolescent mothers), or negatively (greater proportions of primiparous mothers and cesarean deliveries, and lower frequency of births in Baby-Friendly Hospitals). CONCLUSION: There were significant advances in breastfeeding indicators, although they are still far from ideal. Changes observed in population characteristics may have positively or negatively influenced this evolution. .

OBJETIVO: Verificar a tendência dos indicadores de aleitamento materno (AM) em Feira de Santana, Brasil, e identificar características da população que possam ter influenciado essa tendência. MÉTODOS: Procedeu-se à análise de três inquéritos transversais, metodologicamente comparáveis, feitos em 1996, 2001 e 2009, que envolveram 2.159, 2.319 e 1.471 menores de um ano vacinados na campanha nacional de multivacinação desses anos. Usou-se questionário que continha questões sobre o consumo de leite materno e outros alimentos no dia anterior ao inquérito, além de perguntas sobre características da população. RESULTADOS: O acréscimo anual nos indicadores de AM foi de 2,1 pontos percentuais para o AM na primeira hora de vida (de 52,2% para 68,9%); 1,1 ponto para o AM em crianças de nove a 12 meses (de 45% para 59,6%); e de 0,8 ponto para o AM exclusivo (AME) em menores de seis meses (de 36,9% para 47,4%). A duração mediana do AME aumentou de 52 para 84 dias e a de AM de 278 para 376 dias. Observaram-se mudanças nas características da população, as quais podem ter influenciado a evolução dos indicadores do AM de forma positiva (melhor escolaridade das mães, decréscimo no uso de chupeta e menor prevalência de mães adolescentes) ou negativa (maior proporção de mães primíparas e de cesarianas e menor frequência de nascimentos em Hospital Amigo da Criança). CONCLUSÃO: Houve avanços significativos nos indicadores de AM em Feira de Santana, embora ainda estejam longe do ideal. Mudanças observadas nas características da população podem ter influenciado positiva ou negativamente essa evolução. .

Association between the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network implementation and breastfeeding indicators / Associação entre a implantação da Rede Amamenta Brasil e indicadores de aleitamento materno

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between the implementation of the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network and prevalence of breastfeeding in a medium-size city in southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 405 children under 1 year who participated in the second phase of the multivaccination campaign in 2012. Children's consumption of food on the day before the interview was obtained through interviews with mothers or guardians. The manager and one health professional from every health facility that joined the Network were interviewed in order to investigate the process of implementation of this initiative. The association between prevalence of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding and adherence to the Network implementation process was tested using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that among the children assisted by health facilities who joined the Network and those attending services that did not adhere to this strategy, the prevalence of breastfeeding (74% and 70.4% among children under 1 year, respectively) and exclusive breastfeeding (43.3% and 38.1% among children under 6 months, respectively) did not differ significantly. Difficulties in implementing the Network, such as high turnover of professionals, not meeting the criteria for accreditation, and insufficient participation of tutors in the process were identified. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the hypothesis of this study, there was no significant association between the implementation of the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network and prevalence of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the studied city. It is possible that the difficulties found in implementing the Network in this city have influenced this result. .

OBJETIVO: Estimar a associação entre a implementação da Rede Amamenta Brasil e as prevalências de aleitamento materno (AM) em um município de médio porte do sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que envolveu 405 crianças menores de um ano que participaram da segunda fase da campanha de multivacinação de 2012. O consumo de alimentos pela criança no dia anterior à entrevista foi obtido mediante entrevistas com as mães ou os responsáveis. Para investigar o processo de implementação da rede foram entrevistados o gerente e um profissional de saúde de cada unidade que aderiu a esse processo. A associação entre as prevalências de AM e AM exclusivo e a adesão ao processo de implementação da rede foi testada com a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS: A análise multivariada revelou que entre as crianças assistidas por unidades que aderiram ao processo de implementação da rede e as que frequentam serviços que não aderiram a essa estratégia as prevalências de AM (74% e 70,4% em menores de um ano, respectivamente) e AME (43,3% e 38,1% em menores de seis meses, respectivamente) não diferiram significativamente. Foram identificadas dificuldades na implementação da rede, tais como alta rotatividade dos profissionais, não cumprimento dos critérios para certificação e acompanhamento insuficiente das unidades pelos tutores da rede. CONCLUSÃO: Contrariando a nossa hipótese, não houve associação significativa entre a implementação da Rede Amamenta Brasil e as prevalências de AM e AME no município estudado. É possível que as dificuldades encontradas na implementação da rede nesse município tenham influenciado esse resultado. .

Trends in breastfeeding indicators in a city of northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in breastfeeding indicators in the city of Feira de Santana, Brazil, and to identify population characteristics that might have influenced this trend. METHODS: Three methodologically comparable cross-sectional surveys performed in 1996, 2001, and 2009 were analyzed. These involved 2,159, 2,319, and 1,471 children younger than 1 year of age who were vaccinated in national multivaccination campaigns in the respective years. A standardized questionnaire was used, containing closed questions on consumption of breast milk and other foods on the day before the survey, along with questions regarding the characteristics of the population. RESULTS: The annual growth of the breastfeeding indicators was 2.1% for breastfeeding in the first hour of life (from 52.2% to 68.9%); 1.1% for breastfeeding among children aged 9 to 12 months (from 45% to 59.6%); and 0.8% for exclusive breastfeeding among infants younger than 6 months (from 36.9% to 47.4%). The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding increased from 52.3 to 84.3 days, and overall breastfeeding from 278 to 376 days. Some changes in the characteristics of the population were observed, which may have positively influenced the evolution of the breastfeeding indicators (better schooling level among the mothers, less use of dummies/pacifiers, and lower proportions of adolescent mothers), or negatively (greater proportions of primiparous mothers and cesarean deliveries, and lower frequency of births in Baby-Friendly Hospitals). CONCLUSION: There were significant advances in breastfeeding indicators, although they are still far from ideal. Changes observed in population characteristics may have positively or negatively influenced this evolution.

Association between the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network implementation and breastfeeding indicators.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between the implementation of the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network and prevalence of breastfeeding in a medium-size city in southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 405 children under 1 year who participated in the second phase of the multivaccination campaign in 2012. Children's consumption of food on the day before the interview was obtained through interviews with mothers or guardians. The manager and one health professional from every health facility that joined the Network were interviewed in order to investigate the process of implementation of this initiative. The association between prevalence of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding and adherence to the Network implementation process was tested using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that among the children assisted by health facilities who joined the Network and those attending services that did not adhere to this strategy, the prevalence of breastfeeding (74% and 70.4% among children under 1 year, respectively) and exclusive breastfeeding (43.3% and 38.1% among children under 6 months, respectively) did not differ significantly. Difficulties in implementing the Network, such as high turnover of professionals, not meeting the criteria for accreditation, and insufficient participation of tutors in the process were identified. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the hypothesis of this study, there was no significant association between the implementation of the Brazilian Breastfeeding Network and prevalence of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the studied city. It is possible that the difficulties found in implementing the Network in this city have influenced this result.

Problematic parent-infant relationships in two-parent families: prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian neighborhood / Relações problemáticas entre pais e criança em famílias com pai e mãe: prevalência e fatores de risco em um bairro brasileiro

Introduction: Although the quality of parent-child relationships is known to be associated with the offspring's mental health, little is known about the prevalence of problematic relationships in this scenario. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of different types of early parent-infant relationships in a Brazilian population group. Methods: During 1 year, all families (n = 230) from an urban community of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, with 4-month-old infants born in public hospitals were identified, and 148 were fully investigated by two family therapists. This study describes data on the 116 infants with two-parent families. Demographic, obstetric, and relational variables were collected through questionnaires and scales (Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale, Global Assessment of Relational Functioning, and Self-Report Questionnaire). Prevalence ratios were calculated, and Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to adjust for covariates. Results: Almost 10% of mothers and 12% of fathers showed at least a significantly perturbed relationship with their 4-month-old infants. Inadequate mother-infant bonding coincided with evidence of paternal mental disorder, poor maternal social network, and discontinuation of breastfeeding at 4 months. A problematic father-infant relationship was associated with a dysfunctional couple relationship and with low infant birth weight. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of early parent-child relationship problems, suggesting a need for health system interventions. Parent-infant relational problems are prevalent very early in life and more associated with other relational problems than with socioeconomic burden (AU)

Introdução: Embora seja consenso que a qualidade das relações pais-filho influencie a saúde mental da prole, pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência de relações problemáticas nessa esfera. Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência e os fatores de risco de diferentes tipos de relações entre pais e lactentes em um bairro brasileiro. Métodos: Durante 1 ano, todas as famílias (n = 230) residentes em uma comunidade urbana de Porto Alegre, sul do Brasil, com filhos de 4 meses de idade nascidos em hospitais públicos foram identificadas, e 148 foram investigadas em detalhe por dois terapeutas familiares. Este estudo descreve os dados dos 116 lactentes com famílias formadas por pai e mãe. Variáveis demográficas, obstétricas e relacionais foram coletadas através de questionários e escalas (Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale, Global Assessment of Relational Functioning e Self-Report Questionnaire). Razões de prevalência foram calculadas, e a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para ajuste de covariáveis. Resultados: Quase 10% das mães e 12% dos pais mostraram pelo menos uma relação significativamente perturbada com seus lactentes de 4 meses de idade. Vínculo inadequado entre mãe e lactente coincidiu com evidências de transtorno mental paterno, uma rede social de apoio insatisfatória por parte da mãe e interrupção do aleitamento materno aos 4 meses. Relação problemática entre o pai e o lactente associou-se com relação disfuncional do casal e com baixo peso do lactente ao nascimento. Conclusões: Há uma alta prevalência de problemas nas relações precoces entre pais e filho, sugerindo a necessidade de intervenções do sistema de saúde. Problemas relacionais pais-filho são altamente prevalentes logo no início na vida do lactente e são mais associados a outros problemas relacionais do que a sobrecarga socioeconômica (AU)

Problematic parent-infant relationships in two-parent families: prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian neighborhood.

INTRODUCTION: Although the quality of parent-child relationships is known to be associated with the offspring's mental health, little is known about the prevalence of problematic relationships in this scenario. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of different types of early parent-infant relationships in a Brazilian population group. METHODS: During 1 year, all families (n = 230) from an urban community of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, with 4-month-old infants born in public hospitals were identified, and 148 were fully investigated by two family therapists. This study describes data on the 116 infants with two-parent families. Demographic, obstetric, and relational variables were collected through questionnaires and scales (Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale, Global Assessment of Relational Functioning, and Self-Report Questionnaire). Prevalence ratios were calculated, and Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to adjust for covariates. RESULTS: Almost 10% of mothers and 12% of fathers showed at least a significantly perturbed relationship with their 4-month-old infants. Inadequate mother-infant bonding coincided with evidence of paternal mental disorder, poor maternal social network, and discontinuation of breastfeeding at 4 months. A problematic father-infant relationship was associated with a dysfunctional couple relationship and with low infant birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of early parent-child relationship problems, suggesting a need for health system interventions. Parent-infant relational problems are prevalent very early in life and more associated with other relational problems than with socioeconomic burden.