Determinants of Successful Breastfeeding Outcome among Internally Displaced Mothers in Mindanao: It’s Effect on the Health of the Infant

Abstract

This longitudinal cohort study was conducted to examine the determinants of breastfeeding outcome among the internally displaced mothers and consequently its effect on the health of their infant within a 3-month period after birth. Utilizing purposive random sampling technique, a sample of 90 internally displaced mothers who were in their last trimester of pregnancy or have recently given birth were selected from the evacuation centers located in Southern Philippines. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires within a three-month period and conducted at three stages starting from the first 24 hours of delivery, first week after delivery, and three months after the birth of the infant. Findings of the multiple regression analysis revealed that only seven predictive variables (monthly income, number of pregnancies, number of living children, type of birth, confidence level in breastfeeding, problems encountered, and level of social support) had significant partial effects in predicting successful breastfeeding outcomes among the internally displaced mothers from Mindanao. Furthermore, the results of the multiple regression analysis also revealed that the strongest and uniquely incremental predictor of successful breastfeeding outcome was the problems encountered during breastfeeding. The study showed that internally displaced families are important social organizations and networks wherein effective participation and support from members constitute an essential part of everyday activities including childcare. It is recommended that awareness programs of the benefits of breastfeeding for the nurse professionals and the society at large be implemented.

Keywords: Longitudinal cohort study, Breastfeeding outcome, mothers, infant, regression analysis