Summary
THE aim of this study has been to develop a multivariate model relating certain socio-maternal factors to choice of feeding method in a maternity hospital in Dublin. Analysis is based on a sample of 9,000 liveborn singletons. Essentially, we found that, as regards the probability of a mother choosing to breast feed, a declared intention to do so is of primary importance. This in reinforced if the mother is married, is delivering a second or subsequent child, comes from a higher social class category, is older rather than younger and has been working. For these particular data the model performance is satisfactory (Chi-square=56, d.f. = 66; p = 0.8). Appreciating the need to present results in a clear and useful manner, we employ a graphic technique i.e. a decision tree, to represent the output of the regression equation, so greatly simplifying interpretation. Model sensitivity and specificity are described and finally various limitations are discussed.
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This project was made possible by generous financial support from the Friends of the Rotunda under the direction of Professor A. D. H. Browne, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. In addition, we wish to acknowledge the data preparation and cleaning undertaken by the staff of the Statistics and Operations Research Laboratory, Trinity College, Dublin.
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Kelly, A.W., Joyce, N.M. Breast or bottle? A statistical model for studying maternal intent. I.J.M.S. 154, 27–32 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937035
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937035