Background: Breastfeeding rates among African Americans are lower than total U.S. rates. The Northside Breastfeeding Campaign sought to increase breastfeeding among African Americans by changing health professional practices and community norms about breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adults in the Northside community was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign and describe normative attitudes about breastfeeding. The sample (n=629) included 381 females and 248 males divided into four age groups (<18, 18-25, 26-35, and >35 yr.). Intercept interview questions assessed campaign awareness and knowledge of and support for breastfeeding. Results: Young men (<25) showed lowest awareness of the campaign. Further, men were much less knowledgeable about breastfeeding than their female counterparts. While 70% females in the two lowest age groups indicated breastfeeding as the most nutritious form of feeding; males in the <18 and 18-25 age groups responded positively only 27.3% and 39.1%, respectively. Other knowledge-based questions displayed similar findings. Interestingly, responses of older males were much closer to responses of females of the same age group. Young males lack exposure to breastfeeding role models. More than 50% in the lower age groups knew no one who has breastfed. In contrast, 20% of young females lacked role models for breastfeeding. Application: Although women report that male partners influence their decisions about infant feeding, most young men are unaware of the benefits of breastfeeding. The young males of this community are an important target audience in the quest to increase breastfeeding. Future interventions must reach and educate young African American males.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify areas of support and lack of support for breastfeeding mothers in this community. 2.Recognize the disparities between young males' breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes and others in the community. 3.Discuss breastfeeding education and support strategies for young males in the community
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Northside Breastfeeding Campaign
Allina
The League of Catholic Women
Pilot City Family Practice Clinic
North Memorial Family Practice Clinic
Hennepin County Medical Center
North Memorial Hospital
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.