Comparison of exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months postpartum between hospital personnel and general women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the rate of exclusive 6-month breastfeeding between hospital personnel of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sririndhorn medical center and general women. The subjects were 1456 women who delivered at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sririndhorn medical center in Nakhon Nayok province since 2009 to 2010. There were 112 hospital personnel of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sririndhorn medical center, 1332 general women and 12 other hospital personnel or community health service personnel. The data of exclusive breastfeeding was collected by telephone six months post delivery.  The percentage of exclusive 6-month breastfeeding by hospital personnel was 30.4. The percentage of exclusive 6-month breastfeeding by general women was 7.2. Relative risk of exclusive 6-month breastfeeding in hospital personnel when compared to general women was 5.6 and 95% confidence interval was from 3.5 to 8.8 and had statistical significance. Hospital personnel’s exclusive 6-month breastfeeding rate was higher than general postpartum women because it might be from supportive breastfeeding atmosphere, environment and hospital policy.