Prevalence and Maternal Concerns of Exclusive Breast Feeding in Libyan Women in Albaida City

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is strongly recommended by the World Health Organization, United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF), and American Academy of Pediatrics during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue up to two years for optimal growth and development while it is suggested to start supplementary foods beginning from the seventh month. The study aimed to determine the frequency and examine the affecting factors of EBF in infants who attended the pediatrics outpatient clinic in Althawra Hospital in Albaida city, Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight months period among 223 breastfeeding mothers, with infants aged 6-24 months, who attended the pediatrics Outpatient clinic. Mothers’ perceptions about breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, and demographic characteristics were collected by interviews with them. EBF periods were 1-45 weeks, Median week was 17 weeks. Six months EBF rate was 32,28%. Younger mother (≤ 20) or older (≥35) ages, and mothers having chronic diseases had a shorter median week of EBF. The median duration of breastfeeding was 9 months (0-24 months). The most frequent reason of the early interruption of EBF was, according to mother’s perceptions, for having inadequate breast milk (50.3 %). The study indicates that the frequency of 6 months EBF (32,28%) and the median duration of breastfeeding (17 weeks) are low in Albaida. A local strategy must be developed to overcome mothers negative perceptions about EBF in the first 6 months of age.