Prevalence of Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding and Associated Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on Feeding and Treatment of Morbidity Among Infants Aged 0–6 Months in an Urban Slum

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) and quantify the out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) associated with NEBF and treatment of morbidity among infants up to six months of age. Community based in an urban slum, among 172 mother-infant dyads selected by systematic random sampling. Current breast-feeding practices and OOPE over last one month was recorded using a pre-validated, interviewer administered schedule. Independent sample t-test subsequent to bootstrapping was used to test the statistical significance of the difference in mean out of pocket expenditure between NEBF and exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) infants. The main outcome measures was non-exclusive breastfeeding rate and out of pocket expenditure associated with infant feeding and treatment of morbidity. 67 (38.9%) infants were found to be non- exclusively breastfed. The median (IQR) total monthly OOPE incurred on non-breastmilk feeding and healthcare was found significantly higher among NEBF infants vs EBF infants [440 (80-982) vs [0 (0-290); P<0.001]. The median (IQR) monthly OOPE incurred on healthcare was also significantly higher among NEBF infants than EBF infants [INR 140 (0-540) vs 0(0-150); P=0.002]. The prevalence of NEBF was high, and it was associated with higher financial burden on the families.