Exclusive breast feeding practice and its determinants among mothers of children aged 6–12 months living in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, eastern India

Abstract

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a simple and cost-effective intervention for the promotion of child health and survival. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) practices and its determinants among slum women. MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out in the year 2015–16 among 160 mothers having infants aged 6–12 months residing in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, India. Multi-stage, cluster sampling technique was used to select the study population. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was the dependent variable and all relevant information was collected using a semi-structured schedule. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors significantly associated (p < 0.05) with EBF practice. ResultsOnly 21.2% women were exclusively breast feeding their children for six months. After adjustment for confounders, multivariable analysis revealed that being housewife (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.39–5.19); smaller family size (aOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.42–5.08); ≥3 antenatal visits (aOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.19–4.76); and ≥3 postnatal visits (aOR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.41–6.67) were the independent predictors of EBF practice among study participants. ConclusionsPrevalence of EBF practice is very low in slums of Bhubaneswar. Creating breastfeeding enabling working environment for working women, placing more emphasis on smaller family size, and regular antenatal and postnatal visits could be helpful for promotion of EBF practice among slum women.