Abstract
BackgroundDespite consistent evidence showing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, it remains a sub-optimal practice in The Gambia. This study aimed at investigating the determinants of EBF knowledge and intention to or practice of EBF.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 women receiving care at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) from December 2015 to February 2016. Using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, knowledge on EBF was determined and scored. Participants scoring above or equal to the median were determined to have sufficient EBF knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of EBF knowledge and intention to or practice of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsThe proportion of women with sufficient exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and intended to or practice EBF were 60.2% and 38.6% respectively, while only 34.4% received EBF counseling. Earning ≥1500 GMD monthly (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 1.98; 95% Confidence Interval [Cl] 1.24, 3.16), having positive attitude (aOR 2.40; 95% Cl 1.40, 4.10) and partner supporting EBF (aOR 2.18; 95% Cl 1.23, 3.87) predicted sufficient EBF knowledge. Mothers aged 26–34 years (aOR 0.50; 9 5% Cl 0.31, 0.82) and EBF counseling (aOR 2.68; 95% Cl 1.68, 4.29) significantly associated with intention to or practice of exclusive breastfeeding.ConclusionIn conclusion, improving EBF rates will, therefore, require improved access to information on EBF targeting low socio-economically disadvantaged and older mothers. In addition, emphasis on strengthening the ongoing EBF counseling already within the health system is required.
Highlights
Despite consistent evidence showing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, it remains a sub-optimal practice in The Gambia
Most (160, 47.9%) of the mothers were below the age of 26 years, had secondary school education (153, 45.8%), were self-employed (232, 69.5%), and earned 1500 Gambian Dalasi (GMD) or more monthly
We investigated the predictors of knowledge and intention to or practice of exclusive breastfeeding
Summary
Despite consistent evidence showing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, it remains a sub-optimal practice in The Gambia. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), remains the optimal method of infant feeding [1] with major benefits for both mother and child [2,3,4,5,6]. It is estimated to improve the quality of lives of millions of children and prevent over 800, 000 under-five deaths annually if scaled up to near universal level [6,7,8] As highlighted in the 2013 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) report, only 46.8% of the infants were exclusively breastfed [15] This fall sort of the 90% coverage required in order to benefit from an 11.6% reduction of child deaths [8, 16]. Understanding the factors that influence EBF is essential to help develop strategies for promoting the practice of EBF and by extension reduction in infant and child mortality
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