Abstract • 15

The new WHO recommendations on the ideal breastfeeding duration (≥ 6 months) has raised interest towards the conditions possibly influencing the breastfeeding practice. To evaluate the Italian breastfeeding duration rates and determine the social and biological factors associated with the early interruption of breastfeeding 1601 (73%) responding mothers, among 2192 randomly selected from all the delivery events occurring in Italy during November 1995, were interviewed by a phone-administered questionnaire within one month after term-deliveries. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding (85.3%) were prospectively followed up by quarterly resubmitting the questionnaire up to 12 months after delivery. A 100% follow-up was obtained. At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months 49%, 18%, 11% and 5% of these mothers were still breastfeeding, respectively. Bivariate analysis (log-rank test) showed associations between shorter breastfeeding duration and the use of the pacifier within the first month (rate ratio, RR, =1.30, 95%CI=1.18-1.50) and mother's smoking habits (RR=1.26, 95%CI=1.03-1.54) while a higher maternal education level was negatively associated with a shorter breastfeeding duration (RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.97-0.99). The multiple Cox regression analysis confirmed the associations with the use of the pacifier and the maternal education level. Our findings suggest preventive strategies to improve breastfeeding practice in Italy.