Maternal Factors Associated with Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding in Haitian Immigrant Women in Southern Chile

Abstract

There is limited knowledge concerning factors that affect non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) practices in immigrant populations, especially in Latin America. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between maternal factors and the prevalence of NEBF in Haitian immigrant women in southern Chile. This was an analytical cross-sectional study. The probabilistic sample consisted of 173 Haitian women who gave informed consent. Sociodemographic and dietary-nutritional information was collected from all participants. Bivariate (χ2) and multivariate (logistic regression) inferential statistics were applied. All analyses were performed with the STATA 16.0 statistical software, and the significance level was established as α < 0.05. The prevalence of EBF at 6 mo was 54.3%. Maternal factors associated with a lower prevalence of EBF were not having permanent residency (OR: 2.34, CI: 2.18–2.83), residency <12 months (OR: 2.23, CI: 2.09–2.78), limited knowledge of breastfeeding (OR: 1.96; CI: 1.81–2.27), and low educational attainment (OR: 1.78; CI: 1.61–2.11). The protective factors were employment (OR: 0.36, CI: 0.28–0.40), access to basic services (OR: 0.32; CI: 0.22–0.48), and Spanish proficiency (OR: 0.29; CI: 0.20–0.51). Haitian immigrant women without legal residency, recently arrived, with low educational attainment, and poor knowledge of breastfeeding have more risk of not providing exclusive breastfeeding. Targeted interventions for mothers with these risk factors may help improve EBF rates.