Abstract
Breastfeeding contributes to the immunological and cognitive development of the children along with the health and happiness of the mother. In context of Bangladesh, the information regarding breastfeeding practice remains under the shade of other health issue. Therefore, this study aims to identify the association of currently breastfeeding status and socio-demographic factors of children aged 6 to 23 months in Bangladesh. All data including currently breastfeeding status and socio-demographic factors were obtained from the data set of Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) 2011. A total of 2,227 children aged 6–23 months were selected for analysis by using different exclusion and inclusion sampling criteria. Chi-square test was performed to identify the correlation between mother’s breastfeeding status and the socio-demographic variables. The simple presentation of dimension index provides a true picture to the reader. Multilevel factors, such as, age of child, father’s education and employment status, socio-economic status, and place of residence were identified that incorporate the meaningful influences on mother’s breastfeeding status. The findings of this study will be considered by the stake holder to generate an effective strategies for the betterment of the future generation aged 6 to 23 months in future.
Highlights
According to the “Convention on the Rights of the Child", the children from all spheres of society have the right to proper nutrition for sound growth and development (WHO, 2017)
This survey was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and conducted by the National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh
Among the children around half of the children were female (49.6%), about 37.2% children belonged to first birth order, more than 65.0% children were reported to average sized, Most of the parents of children were educated, Most of the fathers of children recorded for low-income group
Summary
According to the “Convention on the Rights of the Child", the children from all spheres of society have the right to proper nutrition for sound growth and development (WHO, 2017). The initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth has been considered a vital element for children, which significantly reduces child mortality and helps to protect a baby from severe diseases (Victora, et al 2016; Leon-Cava, et al 2002). Breastfeeding for subsequent six months after birth protects children from diseases, like diarrhoea and gastrointestinal infections (Leon-Cava, et al 2002; Horta and Victora, 2013). World Health Organization (WHO) recommended children between 6 to 23 months of age must be fed breast milk along with complementary foods (WHO, 2009). Poor breastfeeding status results in severe health complications, for example, malnutrition, diarrhoea, and child mortality among children (Patel, et al 2015). The immunological and nutritional charactersitics of breastfeeding can protect children from nutritional hardship (Chowdhury et al.2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version
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 call