Breast-feeding in the Philippines : levels and differentials

Abstract

Using the RPFS-WFS data on women involving their latest child born in the last 5 years, this study aims to measure the level of initiation and duration of total and full breast-feeding and to examine the differentials and determinants of total and full breast-feeding initiation and duration. For most demographic and socio-economic variables, higher initiation corresponds with longer duration of breast-feeding and lower initiation, with shorter duration. No differential by sex of infant is discerned. The results show that subgroups vary substantiality in whether they start mixed-feeding or full breast-feeding from birth. Although women differ considerably in the length of time they breast-fed, the timing of food supplementation is concentrated within a narrow interval of time since birth. The nine independent variables used in the regression analyses accounted for 9.7% and 13.0% of the variations in breast-feeding and full breast-feeding, respectively, and for 16.6% and 12.3% of total and full breast-feeding duration, respectively. However, only wife's education, place of work, region, ethnicity, and husband's occupation emerged to be common determinants of both total and full breast-feeding initiation and duration. The results suggest that continued modernisation and development would be deterrent to the traditional practice of breast-feeding unless actions are taken to prevent further decline. The strategy of action should be adapted to the conditions prevailing in each region and ethnic groups. Show more