This study will give an update on the breastfeeding prevalence and infant nutrition in Austria. Key aspects for this study are: 1. the current breastfeeding rates 2. further insights on factors influencing breastfeeding such as the information mothers have about breastfeeding, their attitude, support they received for breastfeeding problems as well as sociodemographic factors and 3. complimentary feeding. All postpartum women in Austria were eligible for participation. It consists of representative and prospective data recordings of breastfeeding and infant nutrition for the participating mother-child pairs via online questionnaires at four times of measurement over a period of one year. The results of the present study will give us an update about the development of breastfeeding rates in Austria and a better understanding of entry points for interventions on child nutrition and child health.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,666
Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital
Vienna, Austria
Prevalence of breastfeeding after birth
Proportion of mothers initiating breastfeeding: assessing the breastfeeding prevalence after birth (% of participating mothers).
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 14 days postpartum (time of measurement 1)
Prevalence of breastfeeding
Assessing the breastfeeding prevalence at 14 days postpartum (% of participating mothers)
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 14 days postpartum (time of measurement 1)
Prevalence of breastfeeding
Assessing the breastfeeding prevalence at 4 months postpartum (% of participating mothers)
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 4 months postpartum (time of measurement 2)
Prevalence of breastfeeding
Assessing the breastfeeding prevalence at 6 months postpartum (% of participating mothers)
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 6 months postpartum (time of measurement 3)
Prevalence of breastfeeding
Assessing the breastfeeding prevalence at 12 months postpartum (% of participating mothers)
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 12 months postpartum (time of measurement 4)
Duration of exclusively, predominantly or partially breastfeeding: questionnaire
The average duration of infants being breastfed exclusively, predominantly or partially at time of measurement 1 in days; at time of measurement 2-4 in months; according to the WHO indicators: proportion of infants under 6 months who are fed exclusively with breast milk, proportion of infants under 6 months who are fed predominantly with breast milk; additionally: proportion of infants under 6 months who are fed partially with breast milk
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 4 times of measurement within the first year of life
Assessment of infant feeding if breastfeeding is not performed: questionnaire
Proportion of infants receiving formula
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 4 times of measurement within the first year of life
Infant nutrition, assessment of complimentary feeding: questionnaire
Age of infant at initiation of complimentary feeding - in months; according to the WHO indicators: proportion of infants who received complementary food, proportion of infants who received 4 or more food groups
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 4 times of measurement within the first year of life
Influence of factors on breastfeeding prevalence: questionnaire
Breastfeeding prevalence statistically dependent on socioeconomic factors and lifestyle and other general conditions - % of participating mothers
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 2 times of measurement (time of measurement 1 (14 days after delivery) and 4 (12 months after delivery))
Influence of factors on breastfeeding duration: questionnaire
Breastfeeding duration statistically dependent on socioeconomic factors, lifestyle and other general conditions: Average duration of infants being fed at time of measurement 1: in days; at time of measurement 4: in months
Time frame: Online questionnaire at 2 times of measurement (time of measurement 1 (14 days after delivery) and 4 (12 months after delivery))
Structure in the maternity wards: questionnaire
Proportion of participating maternity wards with BFHI certificate, offering rooming-in, providing information on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support
Time frame: One online questionnaire at study start within the recruitment period (February/March 2019)
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