Abstract
BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding. Despite documented health, social and economic benefits, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is quite low and information on influencing factors is limited especially from slum settlements. Our goal is to assess the prevalence and evaluate factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life among mothers in urban slums of Vellore, Southern India.MethodsWe pooled data from three similar birth cohort studies (n = 1088) conducted between 2002 and 2009. Breastfeeding information was obtained soon after birth and then from follow-up home visits conducted once every two weeks by the field workers. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months was 11.4%, based on prospective data since birth. Results from multivariable analyses revealed maternal education (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [AHR] 1.18 , 95% CI 1.03, 1.35), pucca type of house (AHR 1.25 , 95% CI 1.10, 1.43), two or more number of children in the family (AHR 1.26 , 95% CI 1.10, 1.43), joint family structure (AHR 1.20 , 95% CI 1.02, 1.40) and birth during summer (AHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01, 1.31) were associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months.ConclusionsOur results indicate that exclusive breastfeeding rates are well below the recommended levels. Educational interventions providing comprehensive breastfeeding information to mothers and their families can be evaluated to assess its effect on improving infant feeding practices.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding
Using data from prospective birth cohort studies, we aim to assess the prevalence and evaluate factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in urban slums of Vellore, Southern India
(33%), and 64.3% were from low socio-economic status
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding is well recognized; children who are exclusively breastfed for six months have a lower risk for gastrointestinal infections, respiratory illness, poor linear growth and cognitive impairment [1] It is described as one of the best cost effective interventions and the recommended infant feeding method for the first six months. The results have been conflicting in terms of the direction and magnitude, suggesting that social context and environmental factors could play an important role These past studies were small, cross-sectional, and do not typically report the breastfeeding practices in specific settings such as urban slums. Rapid urban economic and population growth has outpaced the ability to provide adequate infrastructure, leading to a majority of urban residents to live in poor settings These settings are characterized by inadequate water and sanitation and a limited education, health and other social services, thereby increasing the risk for a range of diseases. Using data from prospective birth cohort studies, we aim to assess the prevalence and evaluate factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in urban slums of Vellore, Southern India
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