Determinants of breastfeeding among rural moslem women in israel

This study explores the breastfeeding behavior of rural Moslem women in Israel, and determines the variables that influence the prevalence and length of this mode of infant nourishment. A cohort of 429 women, constituting 10% of all parturient women in the defined regions, were interviewed 3 and 6 months after delivery. The majority (96%) initiated breastfeeding, but only 57% continued beyond 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between duration of breastfeeding for >6 months and degree of religiosity (OR = 2.31); male offspring (OR = 1.75); low social class as defined by occupation of husband (OR 1.71); nationalistic orientation (OR = 1.72); traditional attitudes and practices (OR 1.68); and a low level of education (OR = 1.64). These associations indicate that the breastfeeding practices among the rural Moslem women in Israel are determined by factors similar to those of traditional societies in many developing countries where a decline in breastfeeding is one of the first signs of Westernization.