Breastfeeding practices among Arab women living in the United States

<p>Background: Arab women‟s breastfeeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding, are shaped by cultural and religious values and beliefs. Many studies have investigated breastfeeding practices among Arab mothers in their Arabic countries, but no published studies were identified that looked at these practices in Arab women living in the United States.</p> <p>The purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices including exclusive breastfeeding among Arab women living in the United States.</p> <p>Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 90 Arab mothers was used. Participants were recruited from the Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor, MI; Islamic Institute of Knowledge, Dearborn, MI; Michigan Islamic Academy; and Entesar‟s Beauty Salon, Ann Arbor, MI.</p> <p>Results: The results of this study showed low levels of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as early introduction of supplementations.</p> <p>Conclusions: A health education program related to exclusive breastfeeding is needed targeting Arab mothers in the U.S.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Saaty, Afnan H

Contributors dc:contributor

• Joan Cowdery, Ph.D., Chair
• Susan McCarthy, Ph.D.
• Christine Karshin, Ph.D.

• Arab women
• breastfeeding
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/287

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1286