Home > JLPHA > Vol. 1 (2020) > No. 1 (2020)
Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association
Article Title
Public Health Briefs - Examining Associations of Louisiana’s Gift Program and Race/Ethnicity with Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Using PRAMS
Abstract
Background: The Gift is a program that helps Louisiana birthing facilities improve breastfeeding outcomes. Prior research shows that breastfeeding initiation and duration vary by race/ethnicity. We examined the associations of Gift designation and race/ethnicity with breastfeeding in Louisiana. Methods: We used 2016-2018 weighted Louisiana Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and birth data. Weighted chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of Gift designation and race/ethnicity with breastfeeding initiation and duration. Results: Women delivering at Gift facilities were more likely to initiate breastfeeding compared to non-designated facilities (p < 0.0001). This association was stronger in Non-Hispanic White women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.53) than in Non-Hispanic Black women (aOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.08-2.00). We did not find statistically significant associations with breastfeeding duration. Conclusions: Delivering at a Gift facility is beneficial for breastfeeding initiation regardless of race/ethnicity. However, racial disparities persist at Gift facilities.