Effects of health literacy on Breastfeeding Duration among Primiparous Women Referring to Tehran Health Centers

Introduction The importance of the infant’s proper nutrition and the vital role of breastfeeding in the survival, growth, and development of the child are well known. Breastfeeding helps protect infants against some of the main causes of childhood mortality. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting breastfeeding duration in primiparous women referring to Tehran health centers. Materials &Methods In this analytical study, the population consisted of primiparous women of reproductive age (20-41 years) who referred to Tehran health centers in 2015-2016 having a child aged 2-5 years. Data were collected using the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults and interviews with mothers. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression method in R software. Results In the present study, the minimum breastfeeding duration and maximum were one and 24 months and the median duration of breastfeeding was 20 months. Also, exclusive breastfeeding was reported at 50.5%. The variables of health literacy score (P<0.001), a method of delivery (P=0.03), The first lactation time at the level first time breastfeeding one hour after birth and at the first-time breastfeeding more than one hour after birth (P<0.001) had a significant relationship with breastfeeding duration. Conclusion The health literacy score, method of delivery, the first-time breastfeeding had a significant relationship with breastfeeding duration. Therefore, health care planners have taken steps to improve maternal health literacy, as well as knowledge of the natural delivery and breastfeeding method in order to guaranty the infants’ health in the community.