Intention and practice on breastfeeding among pregnant mothers in Malaysia and factors associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding: A cohort study.

Subashini Ambigapathy,Hoh Boon-Peng,Yan Ning Leong,Nurul Mursyidah Shohaimi,Mai Shahira Meor Hazizi,Kanesh Ramanathan,Ai Theng Cheong,Xiang Bin Cheong,Majidah Mazelan

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0262401

Subashini Ambigapathy, Hoh Boon-Peng + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262401

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Jan 7, 2022
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Ministry of Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia is low despite its known health benefits. This study aims to determine the prevalence of intention to breastfeed among pregnant mothers, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice after delivery, and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. All pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation or above from 17 antenatal health clinics in an urban district were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used, encompassing sociodemographic, breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and intention towards the practice of breastfeeding. The participants were followed up one month post-natal for their practice of breastfeeding via telephone or during their post-natal follow-up appointment.Results483 pregnant mothers participated in the study initially. 462 (95.7%) were contactable after one month. 99.4% (459/462) of participants intended to breastfeed. 65.4% (302/462) of participants practiced exclusive breastfeeding. There was no significant association between intention and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows, pregnant mothers with high breastfeeding knowledge (AOR = 1.138; 95% CI 1.008–1.284) and Malay ethnicity (AOR = 2.031; 95% CI 1.066–3.868) were more likely to breastfeed their infant exclusively.ConclusionsPrevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice at one month in the studied district was 65.4%. Malay mothers and mothers with high breastfeeding knowledge were more likely to breastfeed exclusively. Thus, we recommend targeted intervention towards non-Malay mothers and increasing breastfeeding knowledge to all pregnant mothers.

Highlights

Breast milk is the best gift from a mother to a baby
483 pregnant mothers participated in the study initially. 462 (95.7%) were contactable after one month. 99.4% (459/462) of participants intended to breastfeed. 65.4% (302/462) of participants practiced exclusive breastfeeding
There was no significant association between intention and practice of exclusive breastfeeding

Summary

Introduction

Breast milk is the best gift from a mother to a baby. Breastfeeding has long been associated with a reduced risk of diseases in infants and mothers [1]. Breast milk is the healthiest infant nutrition, especially during the first six months after birth [2]. Breast milk helps build a child’s and the new mother’s immunity, leading to increased prevention of illnesses [1]. Studies found a positive correlation between the increased practice of breastfeeding and lower risk for postpartum depression [6]. In addition to that, breastfeeding has an economic advantage as it is inexpensive, and by decreasing the risk of illnesses of an infant and mother, breastfeeding helps to reduce their medical expenses [7]. This study aims to determine the prevalence of intention to breastfeed among pregnant mothers, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice after delivery, and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice

Objectives

Methods

Results