Sources of influence on infant feeding practices in Hong Kong

The breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong is low compared to the rates in Western countries. To understand the relative importance of different sources of influence on infant feeding practices, 714 Chinese mothers with infants aged 4 weeks to 6 months were studied. It was found that the bottlefeeding mothers were influenced more by the medical professionals who did not support breastfeeding. This influence was further reinforced by the mass media and particularly television advertisements on infant formulae. The successful breastfeeding mothers, on the other hand, were influenced more by their social networks through which they were told of the dangers of bottlefeeding. The failed breastfeeding mothers differed from the other groups in the lack of support they experienced from friends and relatives. Although they received professional encouragement to breastfeed, they were more sheltered from the influence of mass media and social networks. From these findings, it is suggested that different sources of influence are related to different feeding practices. However, to be able to continue with the practice that one has chosen, the availability of social support is essential. Implications of these findings are discussed and several recommendations to promote breastfeeding are made.