Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Practices under Lockdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

A COVID-19 lockdown and restrictive order has had a large impact on the lives of people. This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify factors affecting breastfeeding among mothers living in Thailand during the lockdown. Data were collected from 903 mothers with infants ages 0-12 months from 17 July 2020 to 17 October 2020 after the first nationwide COVID-19 lockdown period by an online platform and interview questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the effect of lockdown and breastfeeding practices with potential confounder adjustment including maternal age, ethnicity, newborn age <6 months, family income below $16,130 per annum, education below undergraduate level, and working status. Mothers changed breastfeeding practices in this period (n = 39, 4.32%) including having changed from exclusive breastfeeding to combined breastfeeding with formula milk (n = 22, 2.44%), and having reduced the frequency when compared to before the pandemic (n = 13, 1.44%). The associated factors of changing breastfeeding practices were contact with healthcare services (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.96, p = 0.04), infant feeding support from health personnel (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.94, p = 0.035), and lack family support and help with feeding your baby after lockdown (aOR = 7.04, 95% CI 1.92 to 25.84, p = 0.003). In conclusion, this study showed a slight decrease in breastfeeding in the sampled mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand. A long-term national surveillance system for maintenance of breastfeeding should be established. Health care service interventions and additional information are needed to support mothers and families for breastfeeding during pandemics.

Automated summary

This study found that during the COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand, some mothers changed their breastfeeding practices, including switching from exclusive breastfeeding to mixed feeding with formula milk, as well as reducing the frequency of breastfeeding. Associated factors with changing breastfeeding practices included contact with healthcare services, support from health personnel, and lack of family support post-lockdown.