Association of Socio-economic and Mental Health Determinants with Breastfeeding Practices among a Population of Moroccan Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The worldwide pandemic imposed by SRAS-CoV-2 affected all aspects of daily life including those of pregnant and breastfeeding women. This work aims to explore the impact of socio-economic determinants and mental health on breastfeeding practices among a group of Moroccan women during this pandemic. Methods: This is a descriptive and observational study carried out over 6 months in a maternity hospital. Data relating to the practices and the state of stress of women were collected via an interview and a questionnaire on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Results: Early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin practice were significantly elevated among educated women (p <0.001) and housewives (p = 0.028). Compliance with respiratory and body hygiene rules was significantly higher among women: of urban origin, educated, housewives, and those with medium or high socioeconomic levels. The study of the impact of stress on breastfeeding practices revealed a statistically significant difference in early breastfeeding (p = 0.004), compliance with respiratory and body hygiene rules (p <0.001), and skin-to-skin practice (p <0.001) between the group of normal women and the group of stressed women.Our results showed the impact of socio-economic determinants and mental health on breastfeeding practice during this pandemic.Conclusion: This represents a great challenge for the health system to promote breastfeeding and reduce the consequences of psychological disorders for mothers and unborn children in Morocco.