Factors associated with pacifier use among children of working women with childcare in the workplace

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify the prevalence of pacifier use as well as the reasons for introducing a pacifier and to analyze factors associated with this practice among children of working women with childcare in the workplace. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 46 women working at a higher education institution that offered childcare in the workplace; the children were in the age range 2.6 years. Data collection was carried out using a self-report questionnaire filled at home. Reasons for introducing a pacifier were analyzed descriptively; Poisson regression was used in the multiple analysis. Results: the prevalence of pacifier use was 63%. Most women offered the pacifier after the infant's 16th day of life, in order to calm the baby. In the multiple analysis, higher maternal education was associated with pacifier use. Conclusion: a high prevalence of pacifier use was observed, as well as early pacifier introduction, among children of working women with childcare in the workplace. With regard to the factors associated with pacifier use in this population, lower maternal education acted as a protective factor against pacifier use.