Abstract
BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the global recommended nutrition for infants less than 6 months of age. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia is much lower than the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of EBF among rural mothers of infants less than 6 months of age in two regions, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) and Tigray Regions, of Ethiopia.MethodsThe research was based on the secondary data analysis of community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 56 rural woredas (districts) in two regions of Ethiopia for impact evaluation of Alive & Thrive multi-year project. The 24-h recall dietary data were collected from 600 mother-infant dyads where the infant was less than 6 month of age, using multistage cluster sampling technique and 584 dyads were found eligible for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were applied to identify the associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsThe prevalence of EBF of infants less than 6 months of age was 88.0% (95% CI 84.9, 90.4%). The odds of practicing EBF were significantly higher among infants less than 2 months of age (AOR 4.47, 95% CI 2.41, 8.27), married mothers (AOR 4.35, 95% CI 1.50, 12.67), mothers who gave birth in health facilities (AOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.15, 3.73) and mothers who received breastfeeding counseling during pregnancy (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.26, 3.96).ConclusionsThe prevalence of EBF was relatively high when compared with previous studies in Ethiopia but close to the WHO recommendations of 90 %. Infant age, marital status of mothers, delivery place and breastfeeding counseling during pregnancy were identified as factors associated with EBF practices in 24 h preceding the survey. Devising appropriate strategies on breastfeeding messaging/counseling and support in addressing poor breastfeeding practices through existing government-led health intervention packages are recommended.
Highlights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the global recommended nutrition for infants less than 6 months of age
This study was based on analysis of the secondary data from the impact evaluation of Alive & Thrive project implemented in Ethiopia in collaboration with Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Integrated Family Health Program (IFHP) and other local organizations
Based on conceptual framework described by Hector [13], we studied age and sex of infant, maternal age, education, marital status, occupation, knowledge of mothers in EBF, infant feeding practices and birth experience
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the global recommended nutrition for infants less than 6 months of age. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia is much lower than the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the well recognized multiple benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is very low globally as compared to the WHO recommendation of 90% coverage. Trend data analysis on prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants less than 6 months of age in developing countries indicated that only 39% of the infants were exclusively breastfed in 2010 [8]. In Ethiopia, breastfeeding is almost universal practice among mothers but the proportion of exclusively breastfed infants less than 6 months of age was low at 58% in 2016 [9]. The nation may benefit less from the multiple advantages of exclusive breastfeeding for infants, mothers and the nation in general
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
