Association of Socio-economic and Mental Health Determinants with Breastfeeding Practices among a Population of Moroccan Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1.Higher Institute of Health Sciences of Settat, Health Sciences and Technology Laboratory, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco 2. Health and Nutrition Research Team of the Mother-child Couple, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

2 3.Higher Institutes of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rabat, Morocco 4.Joint Research Unit in Nutrition and Food, Regional Designated Center of Nutrition, Ibn Tofaïl University, Kenitra, Morocco

3 Higher Institute of Health Sciences of Settat, Health Sciences and Technology Laboratory, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco

4 Health and Nutrition Research Team of the Mother-child Couple, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

5 5. Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropology, Environment and Behaviorm, Faculty of Science of Semlalia, Cadi Ayad University, Marrakesh, Morrocco

Abstract

Background: The worldwide pandemic imposed by SRAS-CoV-2 affected all aspects of daily life including those of pregnant and breastfeeding women. This work aims to explore the impact of socio-economic determinants and mental health on breastfeeding practices among a group of Moroccan women during this pandemic.
Methods: This is a descriptive and observational study carried out over 6 months in a maternity hospital. Data relating to the practices and the state of stress of women were collected via an interview and a questionnaire on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Results: Early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin practice were significantly elevated among educated women (p <0.001) and housewives (p = 0.028). Compliance with respiratory and body hygiene rules was significantly higher among women: of urban origin, educated, housewives, and those with medium or high socioeconomic levels. The study of the impact of stress on breastfeeding practices revealed a statistically significant difference in early breastfeeding (p = 0.004), compliance with respiratory and body hygiene rules (p <0.001), and skin-to-skin practice (p <0.001) between the group of normal women and the group of stressed women.Our results showed the impact of socio-economic determinants and mental health on breastfeeding practice during this pandemic.
Conclusion: This represents a great challenge for the health system to promote breastfeeding and reduce the consequences of psychological disorders for mothers and unborn children in Morocco.
 
 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 14, Issue 2
April 2023
Pages 12-19

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