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.