Diagnosis of breastfeeding status in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil:: use of a simplified methodology

Introduction The diagnosis of breastfeeding status in populations is necessary to define aims and to evaluate support and promotion programs related to this practice. Thus, the feasibility of undertaking such a diagnosis concomittantly with the National Multivaccination Campaign, was tested. Method A simplified questionnaire was used (3 yes/no questions) to study the present feeding of 1,550 children under I year old (91.8% coverage) who attended the vaccination venues in August 19th, 1995. The medians and frequencies from three patter-os of breastfeeding were calculated by probit analysis technique. Results The medians were: exclusive breastfeeding = 17 days (IC:4.6 - 28.7); complete breastfeeding = 64 days (IC: 53.0 - 74.5) and breastfeeding = 167 days (IC: 153.7 - 182.2). The good adjustment of three patterns was attested by R-2 values and by Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results confirmed the need for this program in the city. The simplified methodology was found to be available and is recommended for breastfeeding tread management and for studies on the impact resulting from intervention.