Abstract
PurposeExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates continue to be low in Vietnam. This study aimed to determine the factors predicting 6-month EBF among mothers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted with 259 mothers of infants aged between six to nine months at well-baby clinics in Ho Chi Minh City. The questionnaires used for data collection included personal background questionnaire, perceived benefits of breastfeeding scale, breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form, perceived barriers to breastfeeding scale and the family support of breastfeeding scale. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis.FindingsAbout 32% of the Vietnamese mothers practiced 6-month EBF. By increasing one unit of perceived benefits of breastfeeding, perceived self-efficacy in breastfeeding and family support, the mothers' likelihood to give 6-month EBF would increase 19% (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.31), 12% (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.19) and 10% (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.16), while previous breastfeeding experience, maternal age and maternal education could not significantly contribute to the 6-month EBF.Originality/valueThis is the first study in Vietnam using a nursing model, the health promotion model, as a framework to identify factors predicting 6-month EBF. An effective program for promoting EBF could be developed by manipulating and tailoring the predicting factors to fit the Vietnamese mothers' needs through a mother class, lactation clinic or individual approach.
Highlights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), infant feeding comprising only breast milk in the first six months without other liquids or solids, is the most efficacious form of feeding for an infant’s early months of life
The mothers who did practice 6-month EBF had significantly higher odds of perceived benefits of breastfeeding (AOR 5 1.19, 95% CI 5 1.08, 1.31), perceived self-efficacy in breastfeeding (AOR 5 1.12, 95% CI 5 1.04, 1.19) and family support (AOR 5 1.10, 95% CI 5 1.04, 1.16) compared to those who did not practice 6-month EBF, Table 5
Among 259 Vietnamese mothers in Ho Chi Minh City, the rate of 6-month EBF was about 32% which was higher than the national rate of 24% reported by UNICEF in 2016 [11]
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), infant feeding comprising only breast milk in the first six months without other liquids or solids, is the most efficacious form of feeding for an infant’s early months of life. Breastfeeding benefits have been proved in terms of health and economic gains. Breast milk contains comprehensive nutrients, in particular the antibodies which protect against inflammation and infection [1]. Research has proved that babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months experienced less and a higher rate of infant survival, compared to non-breastfed infants [2]. Breastfed babies show a higher intelligence quotient than non-breastfed babies [3]. Evidence suggested that EBF provides the mothers with short-term and long-term protection
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