Characteristics and motivations of donors to the human milk ba nk in Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital, Chile

Abstract

This study sought to describe characteristics, motivations, barriers, and sources of information of human milk donors to the milk bank at Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital, Chile. Methods: A descriptive and cross - sectional study was carried out. We conducted a 15-question telephone survey in 82 women who were at least one-time milk donors between 2015 and 2017. Statistical analysis included frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The mean age of donors was 31.34,6 years; 92.7% were married or were living with their partner and 58.5% (95% CI of 47.1- 69.3) had completed higher education. The main motivation for donating was helping others (41.5% (95% CI of 30.7- 52.91). The primary sources of knowledge on milk donations were the internet and social networks (43.9% (IC 95% 33.0- 55.31), followed by health personnel 32% (95% CI of 22.9- 44.2). Conclusions: The donor profile in CASR's milk bank is a young woman, with a stable partner and high educational level. These results could provide useful information to improve strategies for human milk donation.