Reasons for the Consumption of Formula Milk in Infants under One-Year-Old in Rafsanjan in 2016: Short Report

 This study was conducted to determine the factors related to infant formula milk consumption in Rafsanjan in 2016.

 This study was a descriptive study conducted on 372 mothers referred to Rafsanjan health centers with children under one-year-old consuming formula milk. Frequency and percentage were used to describe qualitative data, while mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables.

 The mean age of mothers was 23.61 ± 4.87 years. The mean age of the formula onset was 40.71 ± 39.46 days. 208 mothers (55.9%) had the highest frequency as the initiator of formula milk consumption. The most common causes related to this issue were maternal perceptions of insufficient milk with 206 individuals (55.4%) and poor infant weight gain with 107 individuals (28.8%), respectively.

 The results showed that mothers have a key role in formula milk consumption. Educational programs that strengthen mothers' beliefs may be needed to continue breastfeeding.