A comparison of breastfeeding practices among Hong Kong born women and Mainland Chinese immigrants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the breastfeeding patterns between Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese born mothers and to assess if the length of residence in Hong Kong influences breastfeeding duration. 2560 mother-infant pairs were recruited from four public hospitals in Hong Kong and followed prospectively for 12 months or until weaned. Participants were asked how long they had lived in Hong Kong and data were grouped into four categories: <5 years, 5 to <15 years, ≥ 15 years, and since birth. The main outcome measures were the duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding up to twelve months postpartum. Over 60% (n=1581) of participants were Hong Kong born. In comparison to Hong Kong born women, migrants from Mainland China had significantly lower levels of maternal education and family income. When compared with mothers who had lived in Hong Kong for 5 years or less, the risk of weaning was progressively higher among participants with longer durations of residence in Hong Kong. After adjustment for potential confounders, there was a consistent dose-response relationship between longer durations of residence in Hong Kong (most acculturated) and a shorter duration of both any and exclusive breastfeeding. Culturally adapted interventions and support are needed to help migrant mothers’ to maintain practices such as breastfeeding as they become more acculturated in Hong Kong.