Research Description

Attitudes Toward Breast Feeding Among Mothers in Seville, Spain

The purpose of this study is to assess the attitudes of Spanish mothers about breast feeding, to determine which factors have most contributed to the development of such attitudes, and additionally to determine why these factors have been so influential. I find this project particularly interesting because it coordinates two of my main areas of interest: Spanish and medicine. Given the prevalence of Spanish in the United States, such a study is particularly useful as it provides patches for the cultural gaps that often arise in sensitive medical situations.

The first step in carrying out this study was to ask approximately 20 women to fill out a brief survey. As many of these women were asked to answer the survey questions in an informal environment, in the majority of interview situations I directly asked the participants the survey questions and filled in their responses for them. I found this method to be most comfortable for the women I was approaching. The survey included the following questions: Do you plan to breast feed? If so, how long do you intend to do so? Have your health professionals provided you with educational materials about infant feeding methods? What factors or persons have had the greatest influence on your decision? Why do you value this opinion over others? Are there any other comments you would like to share?

Breast feeding and prenatal opinions are important to medical development because they directly affect the health of future generations and thus shape society. While it would be a small step, studying the attitudes of women receiving pre-natal care in Spain might one day contribute to integrating new ideas into the American health system, helping to create programs better suited to the cultural diversity found within the United States.