| Barge, S. & Carvalho, M. (2011). Prevalência e fatores condicionantes do aleitamento materno – Estudo ALMAT. Rev Port Clin Geral, 27, 518-525. |
| Type of study / population |
Observational cross-sectional study, whose sample comprises parturients enrolled in the Family Health Unit (FHU) Lethes and FHU Mais Saúde, of the Local Health Unit of Alto Minho, from January 1 to December 31, 2009. Sampling technique used was proportional stratified random. |
| Interventions |
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| Results / outcomes |
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 months and check if their early abandonment is related to maternal age, parity, schooling, professional status, smoking, alcoholism and knowledge level of mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding. The data collection was done through the application of a questionnaire prepared by the researchers. The results showed that the estimated prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 months was 36% (95% CI, 29% - 43%). On average, breastfeeding was maintained for 5 months. The prevalence was higher in parturients with greater age. There was a higher prevalence of breastfeeding in low-educated and licensed parturients, and lower in the parturients who attended preparation classes for delivery, but in the stratified analysis, it was verified that age acted as a confounding variable; there was no statistically significant association for these variables. |
| Conclusions |
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| Critical review of quality |
The prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 months was similar to that of the existing studies, but lower than the goals set by the World Health Organization. The association between breastfeeding and age is in agreement with the literature. The authors consider that this study is original in Portugal in the analysis of some conditioning factors of the prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 months, in the scope of primary care. |
