Ordinal regression analyses of breastfeeding duration in the Philippines

This paper offers a different perspective in identifying significant correlates of breastfeeding duration. In particular, a proportional odds ordinal regression model with a cumulative logit link is fitted using NDHS 2008 data. Results of the analysis showed that female infants are 15% more likely to be breastfed longer than their male counterparts. Moreover, it was also observed that latter born children are 26% more likely to be breastfed longer than earlier born children. These findings suggest the necessity to perform indepth studies to better explain the results. Moreover, the results of this analysis have verified previous literature findings relating increased modernity of mothers (mothers with higher educational attainment, higher wealth status, and domiciling in urban areas) with shorter breastfeeding practice. The latter findings suggest that with increased modernity being possibly related with gainful employment, improving breastfeeding practices among these mothers may be done through development of breastfeeding supports in work stations. Keywords—breastfeeding duration, maternal characteristics, child characteristics, NDHS data, ordinal regression, Philippines