Infant feeding practices of Indian immigrant mothers and their association with sociodemographic factors: An Australia-wide cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about infant feeding practices of Indian immigrant mothers in Australia; this study examined current practices and associated sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey collected infant feeding practices and sociodemographic data from 365 mothers born in India, with a full-term child born in Australia aged 1.5-5 years. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was calculated based on the child's earliest introduction to any non-breastmilk liquids or solids. Multivariable linear and logistic regression assessed the association between sociodemographic characteristics and infant feeding practices.

RESULTS

Mean breastfeeding duration and age when exposed to formula was 15.0 and 2.9 months, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months was reported by 30.1% of the mothers; and at 6 months 72.1% of infants had been introduced to formula, and 73.3% of infants had been introduced to solids. The introduction to cow's milk and sweet drinks before 12 months was 24% and 37%, respectively. Higher maternal BMI was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration (β: -0.33, 95%CI: -0.54, -0.13, p = 0.001), and higher odds of introducing sweet drinks before 12 months (OR:1.07, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.14, p = 0.01). Urban region before migration was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration (β: -2.92, 95%CI: -5.40, -0.44, p = 0.02) and lower odds of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months (OR: 0.52, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.94, p = 0.03). Older mothers were less likely to introduce sweet drinks before 12 months (OR: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.75, 0.92, p = 0.001). Compared to mothers with a bachelor's degree or lower (lower levels of education) mothers with postgraduate education (higher levels of education) had 88% higher odds of introducing their infants to sweet drinks before 12 months (95% CI:1.06, 3.33). Mothers who lived in Australia for ≥ 10 years had reduced odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.83, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study highlight the associations between infant feeding practices and maternal sociodemographic factors, however causality cannot be inferred. Opportunities exist to improve prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months and to delay the introduction to sweet drinks. Culturally tailored support acknowledging regional contexts and length of stay, may help improve infant feeding practices.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.