Aim: To evaluate the associations between maternal psychological status and intended breastfeeding duration.
Methods: A total of 852 pregnant women who attended antenatal care between September 1997 and August 2000 in 12 health units and five hospitals in Jundiaí city, Brazil, were included in the study. Psychological measures (stress and distress) were obtained at a gestational age from 30 to 36 weeks, using standardized scales, questionnaires and inventories. Psychological factors specifically related to breastfeeding assessed their worries, concerns, and support when breastfeeding. Multiple linear regression analysis identified the associations between the outcome "intended duration of breastfeeding" and psychological status of the mothers, controlling for toxic exposure, socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric and nutritional factors.
Results: There were negative associations between the outcome and distress, "concerned about body's changes", and work outside home, and a positive association between the outcome and marital status (p < or = 0.03).
Conclusion: Early identification of distress in pregnant women and a more attentive encouragement to breastfeed is probably one of the steps to improve intended breastfeeding duration.