Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is accepted as the natural form of infant feeding. The world health organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for first six months of age. The primary objective of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and the secondary objectives were to identify factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all mother infant pairs of 6-12 months age enlisted in the updated MCH register of KMCH center, Ettumanoor. Data was collected using a semi structured interview schedule. Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding were analysed by bivariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS version19.0.Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 21.9% with a median duration of four months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that maternal education, working mother, advice on exclusive breast feeding during antenatal visits and length of breast-feeding session were independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Inadequacy of breast milk was the major reason for non-exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusions: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is low in this particular area. Hence promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and focus on factors affecting them is highly warranted in this area.
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