Breastfeeding is not an independent predictor ofinter‐pregnancy interval in a population with high prevalenceof contraception Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and subsequent inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) in a cohort of Georgia mothers. This study aims to supplement the existing literature on breastfeeding and IPI by investigating a population in which contraception use is high and by controlling for various potential confounders not included in previous studies. Methods: Two commonly available maternal and child health databases were linked by a common identifier to create a population-based cohort of mothers with index and subsequent births in Georgia. Two models, one including ever breastfeeding after an index pregnancy with covariates, and one including exclusive breastfeeding after an index pregnancy with covariates were assessed for association with subsequent IPI. Ideal IPI was considered greater than 18 months. Results: No significant association was found between ever breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding and IPI. African American race was significantly associated with shorter IPIs, and contraception use was significantly associated with longer IPIs. Conclusion: While increasing the prevalence of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, is an important public health goal, interventions to lengthen IPI should focus on other exposures, such as health education, access to and utilization of family planning services and contraception for underserved populations.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Background.................................................................................................................... 1

Chapter 2. Manuscript .................................................................................................................. 14

Chapter 3. Discussion .................................................................................................................... 27

References ..................................................................................................................................... 32

Tables ............................................................................................................................................. 36

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Global Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	contraception inter-pregnancy interval birth spacing breastfeeding
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Kramer, Michael R, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Georgia state or local agency (not a health department)

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	Breastfeeding is not an independent predictor ofinter‐pregnancy interval in a population with high prevalenceof contraception ()	2018-08-28 16:34:37 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions