MSc Public Health Nutrition The study of factors affecting

117 Pages·2011·2.08 MB·English

This work has been submitted to ChesterRep – the University of Chester’s
online research repository

http://chesterrep.openrepository.com

Author(s): Huda Diab

Title: Th e study of factors affecting breastfeeding uptake and duration within Somali
women

Date: April 2010

Originally published as: University of Chester MSc dissertation

Example citation: Diab, H. (2010). The study of factors affecting breastfeeding
uptake and duration within Somali women. (Unpublished master’s thesis). University
of Chester, United Kingdom.

Version of item: Submitted version

Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10034/127946
MSc Public Health Nutrition

The study of factors affecting breastfeeding uptake
and duration within Somali Women

Huda Diab : 0721362

April 2010

1
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Alkaterini Psarou for her constant feedback, support
encouragement and reassurance throughout this dissertation which kept me
strongly motivated, & Dr Basma Ellahi for approving the study and giving me the
opportunity to challenge myself with something different. I would also like to
thank Mrs Raheema Farah for all her support and in taking the time to translate
when needed & thanks to all the women who participated in the Somali
Community, it would not have otherwise been possible to put this together, many
thanks.

2
Abstract

It is widely recognized that human breast-milk is optimal for the normal healthy growth and
development of the infant. A wide range of literature is available with evidence clearly
demonstrating the benefits of breastfeeding and the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the
baby. Despite this breastfeeding initiation rates in the UK remain amongst the lowest in Europe
and especially in the North West of England. The basis of this research was to unveil the factors
which relate to breastfeeding uptake and duration, and also to find out whether or not these agree
with previous findings. Participants were recruited from „Somali Women‟s‟ community centres
in Liverpool. Results were obtained through two focus groups. Findings from focus group 1
show that although most women choose to breastfed initially, half of the participants had to stop
within six months due to starting another pregnancy. In some cases the women felt mix-feeding
was more efficient because the baby appeared to remain hungry between feeding times when fed
solely on breast milk. A combination of both self determination and family support lead to a
longer breastfeeding duration amongst this group. Results from focus group 2 were similar but
most participants spoke very poor English leading to a language barrier between them and the
hospital staff. All participants were of Muslim faith; and religion played a key factor in their
determination to continue breast feeding up to six months and longer. Findings from this study in
line with previous investigations, illustrated the need for better communication, with and
education of, pregnant mothers to give them a greater understanding of the benefits of breast
feeding. Findings show that there are many determinants to long-term breastfeeding and parents
need to work together when infant feeding choices are made. Antenatal support influences long-
term decisions. Private places for women need to be made more readily available for
3
breastfeeding women outside of their homes, and further flexibility provided for working
mothers.

Abbreviations

NHS – National Health Service, LA‟s- Local Authorities, LSP‟s –Local Strategic Partnerships,
BFI- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, Doh- Department of Health, LA -Local Authority,
NCT- National Childbirth Trust, NHS -National Health Service, NICE- National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence, PCT- Primary Care Trust, UNICEF- United Nations Children‟s
Fund, WHO- World Health Organization

4
Declaration of original work

I hereby declare that work contained herewith is original and is entirely my own
work (unless indicated otherwise). It has not been previously submitted in support
of a Degree, qualification or other course.

Date:

Signature:
5
Table of Contents

Title
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Key words/Abbreviations
Declaration of Work
Figures- Graph, figure 1. , figure 4. Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria
Tables- Table 1. UNICEF& WHO recommendations
Table 2. Main goals of the Northwest Breastfeeding Framework for Action
Table 3.Northwest Breastfeeding Framework for Action recommended priorities
Chapter 1: Introduction.......................................................................................................9
1.1 Background on Breastfeeding......................................................................................................9
1.2 Current breastfeeding uptake and duration in the world in comparison to UK and Liverpool....11
1.3 Government intervention schemes...............................................................................................12
1.4 Breastfeeding benefits ...............................................................................................................15
1.5 Breastfeeding Nutritional benefits...............................................................................................16
1.6 Factors affecting breastfeeding uptake.........................................................................................17
1.7 Ethnic groups................................................................................................................................18
1.8 Islam and breastfeeding................................................................................................................20
6
1.9 Aims.................................................................................................................................22
Chapter 2 Methodology...................................................................................................23
2.1 Research Questions .........................................................................................................23
2.2 Justification of Methodology...........................................................................................23
2.21 Qualitative Research......................................................................................................23
2.22 Focus Group...................................................................................................................25
2.23 Semi- Structured Interviews (pros & Cons)..................................................................26
2.3 Research Design..............................................................................................................27
2.31 Recruitment...................................................................................................................27
2.4 Moderators Guide............................................................................................................29
2.5 Focus Group Procedure...................................................................................................29
2.6 Consent Form..................................................................................................................30
2.7 Translation & Transcription...........................................................................................30
2.8 Data Analysis..................................................................................................................30
2.9 Ethical Considerations....................................................................................................31
2.10 Potential Risk Factors or Hazards.................................................................................31
2.11 Any Inconveniences or Changes in Lifestyle................................................................31
2.12 Potential Benefits for Participants.................................................................................31
2.13 Potential Adverse Effects..............................................................................................32
2.14 Relationship between Participants & Researcher ........................................................32
2.15 Measures Taken to Protect the Confidentiality of Participants.....................................32
Chapter 3 Results ............................................................................................................34
3.1 Central themes from thematic analysis (focus group 1 &2) ................................34
3.2 Focus Group 1 .............................................................35
3.3 Focus Group 2..............................................................41
7
3.4 Focus Group 2 -Non-Supportive Partner.............................................................44
3.5 Focus Group 2 - Supportive Partner....................................................................44
3.51 Focus group 1- Supportive Partner....................................................................44
Chapter 4 Discussion ......................................................................................................45
4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................45
4.2 Breastfeeding factors (duration variables)............................................................45
4.3 Breastfeeding and Contraception.........................................................................51
4.4 Breastfeeding and Sexuality…………………………………………………….52
4.41 The role of the father..........................................................................................52
4.42 Negative impacts on breastfeeding mothers.......................................................53
4.43 Couples...............................................................................................................55
4.5 Changing male attitudes.......................................................................................55
4.6 Public Attitudes & Media.....................................................................................56
4.7 Breastfeeding and work........................................................................................58
4.8 Baby bonding skin-skin contact............................................................................60
4.9 Limitations of the study........................................................................................62
Chapter 5 ...................................................................................................................66
5.1 Conclusion..............................................................................................................66
5.2 Introduction............................................................................................................66
5.3 Summary of research findings ...............................................................................66
5.4 Final Conclusions...................................................................................................69
References................................................................................................... 70-82
Appendices-Ethics A, PIS Form-B, Poster C, Data analysis tables f1&2 D&D1-2, Consent
Forms E, Example Transcripts F, Letter request G, Response H
8
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter gives an overview on the benefits of breastfeeding and addresses governmental
recommendations on optimal number of months to breast feed. It also discusses current
breastfeeding uptake and duration in the world in comparison to the UK and then Liverpool. As
well as factors affecting breastfeeding uptake including ethnicity and religion, and study designs
previously incorporated in this area. Finally, the aims of the study will be presented.
1.1 Background on breastfeeding
Every child has the right to adequate nutrition and access to safe and nutritious food. The World
Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding to be initiated within the first hour after
the birth of a child and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age. It is
considered the ideal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy
growth and development. It is the natural and most beneficial way to feed. Virtually all mothers
can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family and the
health care system (WHO, 2009).
A systematic report on the „optimal duration for exclusive breastfeeding‟ has evidence showing
that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding
infants (WHO, 2001). Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued
breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (WHO, 2009).
It has been stressed that all governments should ensure that breastfeeding is facilitated in every
society to encourage the development of each child to its full potential (WHO, 2009). This is a
9