Psychosocial factors influencing the duration of breastfeeding by primigravidas.

We studied factors which influence the duration of breastfeeding by 81 primigravidas by use of a Likert-type questionnaire. Three primary independent variables related inversely to the duration of breastfeeding in a multiple regression analysis. The most important of these variables was maternal perception of difficulties in scheduling breastfeeding on her return to work (p less than 0.01). Also total family income (p less than 0.01) and maternal worries about the demands of breastfeeding (p less than 0.01) inversely related to the duration of breastfeeding. Causal analytical technique was used to identify secondary variables relating to the primary independent variables. Maternal worries about the demands of breastfeeding related strongly to her worries about the lack of family psychosocial support. Maternal age and complications of breastfeeding did not relate to the duration of breastfeeding.