The practice of exclusive breastfeeding and factors associated with its interruption

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EA) and factors associated with its interruption among mothers of children from 0 to 6 months of age in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Jesus -BA. Method: Cross-sectional study with 278 mothers, attended in health units of the municipality. Data were collected through interviews. Through hierarchical multiple analysis, a crude and adjusted prevalence ratio (PR), and their respective confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 39.6%. The variables race/skin color (nonblack), primiparity, absence of family support for breastfeeding, dissatisfaction during breastfeeding, and pacifier use were associated with interruption of the outcome. Conclusion: The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding was below the indicator recommended by the Ministry of Health. Among the factors that were associated with the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding are socioeconomic characteristics related to reproductive history and lifestyle, as well as conditions related to the child. More effective breastfeeding promotion measures are necessary to mitigate this outcome.