Investigation of observed increases in breastfeeding rates in deprived areas

A project joint-funded by the Scottish Centre for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP) and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH). 

Introduction/Background

Breastfeeding unequivocally provides the ‘best start in life’.  The choice and duration of infant feeding is influenced by several multidimensional factors (social, economic and cultural) and increasingly found to determine long term health outcomes.  This has been recognised worldwide and is reflected in Scottish health policy and programmes nationally and locally.  However, increased breastfeeding rates have proven difficult to achieve.  There is a need to understand the ‘breastfeeding culture’ required to achieve sustainable changes to infant feeding patterns.

Aim/Objectives

The aim of the project is to explore increases in breastfeeding rates observed in selected neighbourhoods[1] in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C) between 1997 and 2008.  In addition, the project will investigate national trends and analyses in infant feeding using linked data[2].

The project has both national and local objectives:

  • To identify demographic, socio-economic, structural or cultural changes that influence national and local (NHS GG&C) breastfeeding rates.
  • To understand the impact of a range of individual, cultural  and socioeconomic factors such as maternal age, previous breastfeeding history, deprivation and ethnic background on the likelihood and duration of breastfeeding in the selected neighbourhoods and across Scotland.
  • To determine the best data sources and methods that may be used to understand infant feeding patterns in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and nationally.

Project Stages

  • Set up of maternal and infant record linkage including ONOMAP ethnicity marker
  • Review of data quality
  • Literature review
  • Contextual analysis
  • Detailed analysis of breastfeeding trends
  • Project report and dissemination

Project Management

The project is led by Bruce Whyte (GCPH) with support from an advisory group: Pauline Craig (GCPH), Jim Chalmers (Public Health Consultant, ISD Scotland), Judith Tait (Child Health Information Team Leader, ISD Scotland), Linda Wolfson (Infant Feeding Advisor, NHS GG&C), Jill Muirie (Public Health Advisor, NHS Health Scotland), Ruth Campbell (Consultant Dietitian, NHS Ayrshire & Arran), Louise Johnstone (Scottish Government) and David Tappin (Senior Clinical Lecturer, PEACH unit, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow).  Tomi Ajetunmobi is the project researcher (seconded from ISD Scotland).

Funding and Timescales

The project is funded by the Scottish Centre for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP) and GCPH.  The project began on the 1st of July and will be completed in June 2011.

For further information contact Bruce Whyte (email: bruce.whyte@drs.glasgow.gov.uk); tel 0141 287 6959; http://www.gcph.co.uk/

 

[1] Study neighbourhood areas: Greater Gorbals, Govanhill, North Sighthill/Roystonhill/Germiston, Lenzie South and Temple/Anniesland neighbourhoods.

[2] Linked data: As part of the project, the Information Services Division (ISD) has been commissioned to provide a unique data resource linking maternal and infant records held by the between 1997 and 2008.