Original scientific paper
Sociocultural Factors that Affect Kuwaiti Mothers' Decision to Stop Breastfeeding
Maha Meshari Al Sejari
; Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Abstract
The major aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge of Kuwaiti women about the impact of BF on both mothers'
and infants' health conditions and to describe the beliefs of Kuwaiti women about factors that cause insufficient breast
milk. It also attempts to examine the influence of sociocultural factors that affect Kuwaiti mothers' decision to stop BF. A
sample of 870 Kuwaiti mothers coming from six Kuwaiti governorates were selected. The questionnaire that was used
consisted of six sections, containing closed-ended questions to measure the identified variables (sociocultural information,
knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on infants' health condition, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on mothers'
health condition, and factors that caused cessation of exclusive BF). The study reveals that the majority of Kuwaiti mothers
combine BF and formula feeding and that few practiced exclusive BF. Moreover, findings show a significant association
between knowledge about the benefits of BF for infants' health and some of the mothers' sociocultural variables, such
as the residential area. Kuwaiti mothers' employment status also has a significant impact on their knowledge of the benefits
of BF for infants' health, with employed mothers having better knowledge than unemployed ones. The main causes of
stopping BF among Kuwaiti mothers were dry breast milk and non-flow from the breasts. BF is optimal for infants' and
mothers' physiological and psychological well-being. The present study demonstrates that only few Kuwaiti mothers
practiced exclusive BF and that the majority practiced combined BF and formula feeding.
Keywords
sociocultural, factors, Kuwaiti, mothers, breastfeeding
Hrčak ID:
239570
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2019.
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