Breastfeeding and lactation research: exploring a tool to measure infant feeding patterns.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infant feeding categories, often referred to as breastfeeding definitions, form the basis to describe infant feeding patterns; especially, breastfeeding duration and degree of breastfeeding exclusivity. Researchers use a variety of algorithms and no validated tool exists to measure feeding patterns for research purposes. The goal of this research project was to develop and test a tool to measure patterns of infant feeding for breastfeeding and lactation research.

Methods

We used a literature review, survey methods, and statistical analysis to develop and test this health measurement tool. The work was completed in three phases: 1) development of the tool; 2) assessment of content validity with a panel of experts; and 3) testing for inter-rater reliability by compa

SUBMITTER: Noel-Weiss J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4022273 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature