Utilizing PRAMS and Healthy People 2020 to Examine Black Women’s Breastfeeding Behaviors in Louisiana Prior to the Onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Authors

• Almetra Granger, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Tyra Gross, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Amy Thierry, Xavier University of Louisiana

Abstract

Background: Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Black women have the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the United States and do not reach the Healthy People 2020 goal of 81.9% of infants being breastfed. Black women in Louisiana exhibit lower breastfeeding rates than the national average. Factors contributing to this disparity are under-explored. Methods: Using Louisiana Pregnancy Risks Assessment Monitoring Systems (LaPRAMS) Phase 8 2016-2018 data, a mixed-methods analysis captured both quantitative and qualitative data reflecting Black participants’ breastfeeding experiences. Results: Quantitative results indicated that 58.2% of the sample breastfed, with women who did not breastfeed identifying several breastfeeding barriers. Qualitative results indicated additional information on breastfeeding barriers and supports for all participants. Conclusion: Black women in Louisiana did not meet the Healthy People 2020 goal for infant breastfeeding. Future research should further identify barriers and supports experienced by Black women that may contribute to initiation and sustainability of breastfeeding.

DOI

10.59020/13322

Recommended Citation

Granger, Almetra; Gross, Tyra; and Thierry, Amy (2023) "Utilizing PRAMS and Healthy People 2020 to Examine Black Women’s Breastfeeding Behaviors in Louisiana Prior to the Onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic," Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association: Vol. 3: No. 2, Article 6.
DOI: 10.59020/13322
Available at: https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/jlpha/vol3/iss2/6