Parental Socioeconomic Status as a determinant of breastfeeding : an analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( 2013 ~ 2017 )

Abstract Background: The importance of breastfeeding is well known. One of important factors affecting breastfeeding is socioeconomic status. We investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and breastfeeding to promote future breastfeeding projects. Methods: Data were collected from the 2013 - 2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We evaluated the demographic information and parents’ socioeconomic status of 1,220 children under 60months.Results: A total 1,220 children were included in this study. Some of the socioeconomic factors were associated with breastfeeding. Mothers’ education level (≥13years: odd ratio[OR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-6.42), middle high of mother’s income level (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.18-2.84), no smoking status (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.28-7.36), body mass index(BMI) (< 25(kg/m 2 ): OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.12-2.95) were associated with breastfeeding (p<0.05). Also, fathers’ age (30s: OR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.82-13.04), education level(≥13years: OR, 7.94; 95% CI, 3.12-20.18) were associated with breastfeeding (p<0.05). After controlling for the confounding factors, mothers’ BMI, fathers’ age and educational level were statistically significant.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that socioeconomic factors were associated with breastfeeding in Korea. Keywords : Breastfeeding, Parental, Socioeconomic status, Korea