A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Health effects of infant feeding: Information for parents in leaflets and magazines in five European countries




AuthorsGage H, Von Rosen-Von Hoewel J, Laitinen K, Jakobik V, Martin-Bautista E, Schmid M, Egan B, Morgan J, Williams P, Decsi T, Campoy C, Koletzko B, Raats M

PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD

Publication year2013

JournalPublic Understanding of Science

Journal name in sourcePUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

Journal acronymPUBLIC UNDERST SCI

Number in series3

Volume22

Issue3

First page 365

Last page379

Number of pages15

ISSN0963-6625

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1177/0963662511435452


Abstract
Parents' decisions about whether to breastfeed their infant, and when to introduce complementary foods, are important public health issues. Breastfeeding has beneficial health effects and is widely promoted. Leaflets and magazine articles on infant feeding were collected in 2005, in five European countries (England, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Spain), and screened for statements that link feeding behaviours to infant health outcomes. A total of 127 leaflets contained 512 statements (0.38/published page). Magazines contained approximately 1 article/month. Health outcomes were more intensively covered in England and Germany. Most statements referred to short term health implications. Lack of scientific agreement may underlie lack of cover of longer term health effects. Scope may exist to promote improved infant feeding practices by increasing the quantity and specificity of messages about health effects. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of alternative means of providing information on infant feeding practices.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 14:46