Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 17 WHO European Region countries

• DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00517-1
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02T08:34:11Z
• Authors: Ilana Azulay Chertok; Rada Artzi-Medvedik; Maryse Arendt; Emma Sacks; Marina Ruxandra O...; Carina Rodrigues; Raquel Costa; Karolina Linden; Mehreen Zaigham; Helen Elden; Daniela Drandic; Susanne Grylka-Ba...; Céline Miani; Emanuelle Pessa V...; Benedetta Covi; Marzia Lazzerini; Ilaria Mariani
• Keywords: Pandemic

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal infant nutrition, providing infants immunoprotection against many diseases including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected practices in maternity care facilities. The aims of study were to examine exclusive rates at discharge over time and identify factors associated with pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers who gave birth a facility World Health Organization (WHO) European Region countries socio-ecological model employed intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community/society maternal report discharge. Results There 26,709 participating from 17 included analysis. Among mothers, 72.4% ( n = 19,350) exclusively breastfed 27.6% 7,359) did not breastfeed an overall decline p 0.015) significantly lower rate following publication WHO guidelines on 23 June 2020 (AOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82, 0.94). Factors outcomes logistic regression analysis age, parity, education, health insurance, mode birth, inadequate support, lack early initiation, full rooming-in, attendant, perceived healthcare professionalism attention, room cleanliness, timing location birth. Conclusions indicate Using facilitates integrated holistic approach address needs women across region. These findings demonstrate need augment support protect mother-infant dyads, effort reverse declining rates. highlights educate their families about importance breastfeeding, reduce maternal-infant separation, increase professional follow evidence-based practice promote comprehensive multi-level manner. Trial registration number Clinical Trials NCT04847336.