Open AccessInfant formula promotion and infant-feeding practices, Bicol region, Philippines.
Author(s) -
Charles C. Griffin,
Barry M. Popkin,
Deborah S. Spicer
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.74.9.992
Subject(s) - infant formula , promotion (chess) , breast milk , breast feeding , milk substitute , infant feeding , health promotion , environmental health , medicine , breastfeeding , family medicine , health professionals , business , nursing , public health , pediatrics , economic growth , health care , food science , political science , economics , biology , biochemistry , politics , law
A 1978 household survey and a 1981 survey of stores and health facilities document the availability of breast milk substitutes, promotion of infant food and formula through the medical sector, and the effects of such promotion on the infant-feeding practices of mothers in the Bicol region of the Philippines. Breast milk substitutes were universally available in the region. Infant food and formula companies were active in the modern medical sector with promotional efforts that included distributing free formula samples, providing pamphlets and posters, and organizing professional meetings. Industry activities had mixed effects on health professionals' knowledge of breast-feeding and attitudes towards the practice. Activities of multinationals tended not to affect mothers' breast-feeding behavior directly but increased the probability of their introducing breast milk substitutes within the first six months, and thus in practicing a program of mixed feeding.