Analysis of breastfeeding status and influencing factors among medical staff in southwestern China

Background This study aims to evaluate the breastfeeding practices among medical staff in southwest China, identify the influencing factors, and provide recommendations for improving the exclusive breastfeeding rate and prolonging the duration of exclusive breastfeeding among medical professionals. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 685 medical staff who gave birth and were weaned between January 2019 and January 2024. The questionnaire included sections on general demographics, breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding practices, and return-to-work timing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding, and R software was used to construct and validate a nomogram prediction model based on the findings. Results Of the 685 participants, 363 (52.9%) exclusively breastfed for less than 6 months (Group A), while 322 (47.1%) breastfed exclusively for 6 months or longer (Group B). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of maternal income, number of deliveries, early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour post-delivery, access to breastfeeding consultation during pregnancy, earliest work shift start time, diet regularity during lactation, husband's support for breastfeeding, and family support for breastfeeding ( p  < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the number of deliveries, breastfeeding consultation during pregnancy, earliest start time of work shift, and family support for breastfeeding as independent factors influencing the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( p  < 0.05). The nomogram prediction model for successful breastfeeding showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.753 (95% CI, 0.702–0.805), demonstrating good consistency between the predicted and observed outcomes, closely approximating the ideal curve. Conclusion Medical institutions should actively establish breastfeeding consultation clinics, work to minimize maternal work hours, and promote breastfeeding education to raise societal awareness, which will help improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under 6 months of age.