Intimate partner violence and early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intimate partner violence in the early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life. We used data from a prospective cohort of 564 children attending four primary health clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interruption of exclusive breastfeeding was defined as a child receiving any kind of liquid or solid, regardless of breast milk intake, measured by a 24 hour recall. The Portuguese version of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-1) was used to assess intimate partner violence. Associations were expressed as prevalence ratios and relative risks and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Children of mothers who experienced severe violence had 30% greater likelihood of early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in the second month of life as compared to those who did not experience this type of violence. Strategies in health services for promoting exclusive breastfeeding should consider identifying and addressing family violence

Brazilian immigrant fathers\u27 perspectives on child\u27s eating and feeding practices: A qualitative study conducted in the United States

Objectives: Brazilians comprise a rapidly growing immigrant Latino group in the USA, yet little research has focused on health issues affecting Brazilian children in immigrant families. As increasing evidence is documenting fathers\u27 influential role in their children\u27s eating behaviours and ultimately weight status, the current study sought to explore the Brazilian immigrant fathers\u27 perspectives and practices related to child\u27s feeding practices and their preschool-aged children\u27s eating. Design: Qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in Portuguese by native Brazilian research staff using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed thematically using a hybrid approach that incorporated deductive and inductive analytical approaches. Setting: Massachusetts. Participants: Twenty-one Brazilian immigrant fathers who had at least one child aged 2-5 years. Results: Results revealed fathers\u27 awareness of the importance of healthy eating for their children, their influence as role models and their involvement in feeding routines of their preschool-aged children. Moreover, fathers were receptive to participating in family interventions to promote their children\u27s healthy eating. Nearly all fathers reported wanting to learn more and to do \u27what\u27s right\u27 for their children. Conclusions: The current study provides new information about Brazilian immigrant fathers\u27 views about factors influencing their children\u27s healthy eating behaviours and paternal feeding practices. Future research should quantify fathers\u27 feeding styles and practices and solicit fathers\u27 input in the design of culturally appropriate family interventions targeting the home environment of preschool-aged children of Brazilian immigrant families

A qualitative study conducted in the United States exploring the perspectives of Brazilian immigrant fathers about their preschool-age children’s physical activity and screen time

Aim: This study sought to explore Brazilian immigrant fathers’ perspectives on physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) of their preschool-age children. Subjects and methods: Qualitative study consisted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of fathers. Interviews were conducted in Portuguese by native Brazilian research staff using a semi-structured interview guide, and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Portuguese. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a hybrid method that incorporated deductive and inductive analytical approaches. Results: Twenty-one fathers participated in the study. Analyses revealed that fathers in this study recognized the importance of PA and of limiting ST for their preschool-age for children’s overall health. Fathers also recognized their role in helping their children’s development and maintenance of healthy PA habits. Nonetheless, most fathers reported daily barriers faced in their day-to-day lives since immigrating to the United States that limit PA and promote ST in children. Fathers perceived several factors across levels of the socio-ecological model that influence their children’s PA and ST behaviors including low socioeconomic status, beliefs and practices related to PA and ST, housing, lack of access to safe spaces for PA, lack of affordable organized PA and sports programs for young children, lack of time, work demands, and cold weather. Conclusions: This is the first study conducted with Brazilian fathers living in the United States exploring fathers’ perspectives on PA and ST. Findings may assist in the of development of family-based interventions to promote healthy PA and ST behaviors among this ethnic minority population

Evidence map on global interventions to reduce alcohol consumption

Study type: Evidence Map/Gap Map Objective: To identify the evidence of global interventions to reduce consumption or sales of alcoholic beverages