Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices in community settings of southern Benin. We conducted a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study in Sakété commune. Six midwives and 100 breastfeeding women with at least one child under 6 months of age completed a semi-structured questionnaire. We also conducted focus groups with grandmothers. The quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using chi-square tests, Student's t-tests, and logistic regression. The data from the focus groups were analyzed thematically. The Information-Education-Communication (IEC) sessions on the EBF were conducted in all the visited maternity care facilities. Nonetheless, only 58% of breastfeeding mothers followed EBF practices, and most grandmothers did not follow EBF practices. Regression analysis identified that mothers who participated in IEC sessions focused on good infant feeding and nutrition practices and those seeking advice from close relatives were more likely to use EBF. The study revealed a low EBF rate and suggested that interventions could educate mothers and other household members on the importance of timely breastfeeding initiation in the study area.
Highlights
Maternal and child malnutrition is a significant public health issue globally, but it is especially acute in developing countries, in which it is responsible for 45% of the deaths of children under 5 [1, 2]
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices in community settings of southern Benin
Regression analysis identified that mothers who participated in IEC sessions focused on good infant feeding and nutrition practices and those seeking advice from close relatives were more likely to use EBF
Summary
Maternal and child malnutrition is a significant public health issue globally, but it is especially acute in developing countries, in which it is responsible for 45% of the deaths of children under 5 [1, 2]. It can, be prevented in infants and young children based mainly on good feeding practices, such as early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding until the age of 24 months, and the introduction of adequate solid/semi-solid foods from six months of age [3]. A cohort study in Ghana, a country in West Africa, found that EBF during the first six months of life could prevent 13% of deaths among children under five in developing countries [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
