331471
Influence of Healthcare Provider Type on Intent to Breastfeed among Expectant Mothers
Elizabeth Balyakina, MS, MPH,
Department of Family Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Kimberly Fulda, DrPH, MPH,
Department of Family Medicine and Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Susan Franks, PhD,
Family Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Kollier Hinkle, MD,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
The primary purpose of this study was to determine the association between type of healthcare provider delivering prenatal care and intent to exclusively breastfeed. Data were assessed using a self-report survey fo 455 expectant mothers. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between prenatal care provider type [obstetrician; other primary care physician (family doctor, general practitioner, internist, or other physician); midwife/nurse midwife; more than one provider; and other] with intent to breastfeed [exclusive/non-exclusive]. Having a midwife/nurse midwife as a prenatal care provider was associated with intent to breastfeed compared to having an obstetrician (OR 2.533, 95% CI: 1.285-4.675). There was no difference in intent between women in another primary care physician and an obstetrician. Women with another type of health care provider, no prenatal care from a healthcare professional, or no knowledge of who is providing prenatal care were less likely to intend to breastfeed (OR 0.228; CI: 0.068-0.766) as compared to those with an obstetrician. Provider type is associated with intent to breastfeed among pregnant women. It is important to understand educational, practice, and attitude differences between provders delivering prenatal care. Identifying factors associated with promoting feeding practices would enhance the development of interdisciplinary approaches in delivery of prenatal care.
Learning Areas:
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Assess the relationship between type of healthcare provider delivering prenatal care and intent to exclusively breastfeed.
Keyword(s): Breastfeeding, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and have previously worked in public health research. My interests include the provision of maternal and child health in primary care settings.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
