History of Breastfeeding and Stroke Prevalence Among Parous Females: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2012

Gina M. Richardson, Emily Mitchell, Kalera Stratton, Laura R. Kair, Lynn M. Marshall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Given the known relationships between breastfeeding and hypertension, and between hypertension and stroke, we examined the association between breastfeeding a child and stroke later in life. We hypothesized a history of breastfeeding is associated with lower prevalence of stroke. Methods: Our study population included parous females 20 years and older. Potential confounders included family income-To-poverty ratio, education, smoking status, parity, and age at first live birth. Potential effect measure modifiers included race/ethnicity and age at survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between breastfeeding and stroke. Results: The odds of stroke among those who ever breastfed were lower than those who never breastfed (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55-0.86; p < 0.01). Adjusting for education decreased the strength of the association (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.63-1.01; p = 0.06). In analyses stratified by age, the inverse association between breastfeeding status was significant among those ages 20-64 years (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47-1.00) but not among those 65 years and older (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.34). Conclusions: Ever breastfeeding a child was associated with lower prevalence of stroke in a nationally representative U.S. sample of parous females 20 years and older. Results were strongest among those <65 years old.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)768-775
Number of pages8
JournalBreastfeeding Medicine
Volume17
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2022

Keywords

  • breastfeeding
  • cardiovascular accident
  • hypertension
  • stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics
  • Health Policy
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternity and Midwifery

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