Trends of Breastfeeding Practice and Determinant Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Bangladesh: Evidence from the Six Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Surveys

Abstract

Poor breastfeeding is found to be responsiable for child adverse health and development problems. The aims of this study are to examine the trend of World Health Organization’s (WHOs) recommended breastfeeding practices and determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding (EBP). Data were extracted from six nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHSs). The WHO recommended indicators related to the breastfeeding practices were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with EBP with accounting complex survey design. Among the four indicators of breastfeeding practices, increasing trend was reported only for early initiation of breastfeeding among the surveys years. Multivariate logistic model explored mothers’ age, occupation, place of delivery, number of antenatal visits were most important predictors of EBP in almost all of the survey year. Number of children ever born and economic condition was found to be associated with EBP only for the surveys conducted in 2004, 2007, and 2011. Poor breastfeeding practices adherence to WHO guidelines indicate the immediate attention of the policy makers to take policies and programs to enhance breastfeeding practices in Bangladesh. Higher aged maternal women, higher socio-economic status, and currently working mothers should be given priority in future policies and programs.