Determinants Of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Research Articles

Exploring the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among first-time mothers: A narrative review

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means giving only breast milk to babies 0-6 month without giving any drinks or food, except medicines and vitamins. Only 44% of babies received EBF worldwide in 2020. Meanwhile, in 2025, the target for achieving EBF is 50%. The research aim is to analyze the determinant of the success of EBF for the first-time mother. Database search via Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Pro Quest for articles published since 2020-2022. Search keywords influencing factors, determinants, exclusive breastfeeding, first-time mothers. We found 19 articles but only 6 articles were suitable with the inclusion critrria. From the researches findings that the importance factors influence EBF practice are self-efficacy, social support, culture, relationships between parents, happiness in breastfeeding, and social environment. It is recommended that tracing activities be part of increasing the success of EBF practices for first-time mothers.

Spatial distribution and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers of children under 24 months of age in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis

BackgroundBreast milk is the first, highly valuable, and solely natural food recommended for infants in their first six months of life, which is critical for children's overall growth and development. Evidence suggests that exclusive breastfeeding differs by geographic area in Ethiopia. However, little is known regarding the geographic distribution of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Hence, this study aimed to assess exclusive breastfeeding practice, its geographic variation and associated factors among Ethiopian mothers.MethodThe study used the 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data. All living children born 0–23 months before the survey were included. Global Moran’s I statistics on Arc-GIS and Getis Ord Gi* statistics was used to visualize the spatial pattern and hotspot and cold spot areas, respectively. Kulldorff SaTScan was used to show purely significant spatial clusters. The associated factors were identified using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Statistically significant factors were reported using the AOR with a 95% CI and a p-value of < 5%.ResultThe coverage of exclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia was 56.05% (95% CI: 53.95%, 58.10%). The spatial pattern was non-random across the country’s regions. Somalia, Gambela, Benshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa, and Harari regions had low clustering of exclusive breastfeeding practices, whereas Amhara, Eastern SNNPR, and Central and Northern Oromia regions had high clustering. Children born through caesarean delivery [AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.63], initiated breastfeeding within the first 1 h [AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.90], after 1–24 h of delivery [AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.54], after a day [AOR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08], and women residing in the pastoralist region [AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.39] or city administrations [AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.89] had lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding practice.ConclusionExclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia remained low. The practice had a spatial variation across the country. Caesarean section delivery, late breastfeeding initiation, and region were statistically significant variables. Therefore, promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding and improving the utilization of maternal health services and designing special intervention strategy for women residing in city administrations and pastoralist regions of the country may increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers of 6-24 Months-Old Infants in Padang City, Indonesia

The practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) can reduce mortality and morbidity rates in children and supports optimal growth and development in children. The practice of EBF influenced by various predisposing factors, supporting factors and reinforcing factors. This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers of infants 6-24 months old infants in Padang. This case control study conducted at Padang with 200 mothers, consisting of 100 mothers of case groups and 100 mothers of control groups. Maternal and infant characteristics, family characteristics, predisposing factors, supporting factors and reinforcing factors, and exclusive breastfeeding were collected for this study. Chi square and binary logistic regression were used to the data analysis. Results showed that mother's occupation, exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and parent’s support were the most influencing determinants for exclusive breastfeeding.

Prevalence and Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Breastfeeding Mothers in Kathmandu, Nepal

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months has several benefits for children in reducing their morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of EBF practice and its influencing factors.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 362 breastfeeding mothers attending selected health facilities in the Kathmandu district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through a face-to-face interview. The knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and social support of breastfeeding were assessed by Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF) and Exclusive Breastfeeding Social Support Scale (EBSSS) scales respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, through SPSS.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of EBF practices for the six months was 64.1%. The higher proportion (99.2%) of the respondents had high self-efficacy for breastfeeding, 95.3% of the respondents had positive attitudes toward EBF, and 89.8% had high social support for EBF practices. The determinant of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale was being a Hindu religion (aOR 6.1, 95% CI, 2.23-16.58). The determinants of the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale were being a mother who did colostrum feeding (aOR 11.8, 95% CI, 2.29-61.14), had institutional delivery (aOR 7.4, 95% CI, 2.21-24.54), and had school level education (aOR 3.6, 95% CI, 1.54-8.53). The determinants of EBF practices were of being an unemployed mother (aOR 2.7, 95%CI, 1.40-5.07) and mothers aged 26 year-old and below (aOR 1.7, 95%CI, 1.08-2.64).&#x0D; Conclusion: Findings reveal that high level of knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and social support towards exclusive breastfeeding, but the prevalence of EBF practice is still low, so it should be promoted by having targeted intervention programs for mothers who are at-risk groups. Breastfeeding awareness programs should be integrated into the existing immunization clinics and give information to mothers about its long-term benefits.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Ethiopia.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the most cost-effective intervention to reduce infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is crucial since human milk contains nutrients, living cells, and defensive factors which enable infants to have better immunity, physical and mental development. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Ethiopia using Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data. EDHS 2016 data were used for the analysis. A total of 1,066 mothers were included in the analysis. The binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of EBF practice among mothers. The result presented using adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of EBF was 58% of infants under age 6 months. Mothers age 25-34 (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.31-2.32), child age 4-5 months (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.66-0.84), married marital status (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.50), mothers attained secondary education or higher (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.54-2.58), husband attained secondary education or higher (AOR = 1.70; 1.39-2.13), richer wealth index (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.18-0.69), accessed to the media (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.38-2.27), number of living children 3-4 (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.95), health facility (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI 1.09-3.20), rural residence (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.49-0.89) and mothers living in Afar (AOR = 100.2; 95% CI 15.68-640.61), Somali (AOR = 52.65; 95% CI 8.48-326.77), SNNPR (AOR = 6.94; 95% CI 1.05-45.79), Harari (AOR = 61.94; 95% CI 9.75-393.44), Addis Ababa (AOR = 13.07; 95% CI 2.06-82.99), and Dire Dawa (AOR = 28.91; 95% CI 4.38-190.86) were associated with EBF practice. The practice of exclusive breastfeeding remains low in Ethiopia. Therefore, the stakeholders should be taken into consideration those determinant factors identified in this study in policies and programmes to increase EBF practice among mothers. Moreover, designing and implementing specific strategies to enhance the rate of exclusive breastfeeding practices through community-based education is recommended.

Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Gorontalo Province

Exclusive breastfeeding has many benefits, not only for the baby but also for the mother. In 2021, the province with the lowest percentage of babies aged 0-5 months old who received exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is Gorontalo Province (52,75 percent). This makes the background of the researcher to find out the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice in this province. this study uses a dataset from the National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) in Gorontalo Province in March 2021. The variables used are age at first marriage, maternal education, internet usage, place of birth, assistant of birth, and household poverty status. The result is that women aged 15-49 years whose first marriage age is 21 years and over (OR = 0,77), with junior high school and over education (OR = 0,93), used the internet for the past 3 months (OR = 0,77) and their household poverty status is not poor (OR = 0,86) tend not to practice the exclusive breastfeeding. While women aged 15-49 years who gave birth at home are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1,95).

Effect of maternal nutrition education on early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding practices in south Ethiopia: a cluster randomised control trial.

Introduction: Optimal breast-feeding practices make a major contribution to the promotion of healthy growth and development through much prevention of diarrheal and respiratory diseases which majorly cause morbidity and mortality in under-five children. However, breast-feeding practices remain suboptimality in Ethiopia. Objective: The study objective was to determine the effect of maternal nutrition education on early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding practice in the Hawela Tulla sub-city. Methods: A cluster randomised, parallel-group, single-blinded trial was used. About 310 pregnant women (155 for the intervention group and 155 for the control group) were included. Result: An early initiation of breast-feeding was significantly higher among women who received breast-feeding education than those who did not receive (104(72·7 %) v. 85(59·9 %), P = 0·022) and exclusive breast-feeding practice was also significantly higher among women who received breast-feeding education than those who did not receive (106(74·1 %) v. 86(60·6 %), P = 0·015). Breast-feeding education [AORs 1·55, 95 % CI (1·02, 2·36)], institutional delivery [AOR 2·29, 95 % CI (1·21, 4·35)], vaginal delivery [AOR 2·85, 95 % CI (1·61, 5·41)] and pre-lacteal feeding [AOR 0·47, 95 % CI (0·25, 0·85)] were predictors of early initiation of breast-feeding. Breast-feeding education [AOR 1·72, 95 % CI (1·12, 2·64)] and institutional delivery [AOR 2·36, 95 % CI (1·28, 4·33)] were also determinants of exclusive breast-feeding practices. Conclusion: Breast-feeding education improved early initiation of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding practices. Providing sustained education to women regarding early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding practice should be strengthened.

Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers of Infants Less Than Six Months Attending an Immunization Clinic in Southwestern Nigeria.

BackgroundDespite being a cost-effective means of improving the childhood health indices, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains low in the low middle-income countries. Hence, we evaluated the determinants of EBF among mothers of infants less than six months in Southwestern Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study that involved 271 mothers of infants aged less than six months attending the immunization clinic of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Pretested semi-structured questionnaires were used to get relevant information from the mothers who were recruited using convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics was carried out while chi square test and binary logistic regression were used for inferential statistics.ResultsThe mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 30.4 ± 5.0 years. The EBF rate in this study was 46.1% (125/271); 40.6% of mothers breastfed their infants within an hour of birth, with most (91.1%) breastfeeding their babies on demand. Factors associated with EBF included mothers’ age > 30 years (OR 2.080, 95% CI 1.274-3.395). After controlling for potential confounders, family size > 4, (adjusted OR 2.053, 95% CI 1.120-3.762) and having vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 2.769, 95% CI 1.585-4.829) were the significant determinants of EBF practices among the study participants.ConclusionEBF practice was average in the studied population. Family size >4 and vaginal delivery were the determinants of EBF. There is a need to sustain the promotion of appropriate breastfeeding practices.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice for the first six months in mothers with infants between 6 and 15 months of age in Erbil city, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Breastfeeding is a useful and natural source of nutrition that provides the healthiest start for an infant. Despite its nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby. This study aimed to assess the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months of age in Erbil City, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil city, Iraq, from December 2017 to December 2018. A convenience sampling method was used for selecting mothers of infants aged 6-15 months. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The statistical package for the social sciences was used for data analysis and a P value of ≤0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 306 mothers with children aged between 6 and 15 months were included. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 26.5%. Around 36% of mothers had a primary school qualification, of whom 28.2% gave exclusive breastfeeding. Around 84%of the mother were housewives, of whom 28.3% had exclusive breastfeeding. Around 92% of the mothers had a birth at health facilities, of whom 26.2% gave exclusive breastfeeding. Around 50% of mothers had cesarean section deliveries, of whom 23.4% gave exclusive breastfeeding. Around 44% of the mothers mentioned that insufficient milk is the barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding still remains low compared to the current WHO recommendations. The most common barrier to continuing exclusive breastfeeding was the perception of insufficient milk production. Housewife mothers are more likely to breastfeed their infants exclusively, and least when the mother is a non-house wife. Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; Mothers; Infants; Erbil.

Prevalence and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Mothers of Children Aged 6-24 Months in Hail, Saudi Arabia.

Background The WHO recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Nonadherence to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) depends largely on the individual, sociocultural context, and institutional factors. The aim of this study is to estimate coverage and factors associated with adherence to EBF among mothers in the urban Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out during February–June 2019 among 450 mothers of children aged 6–24 months attending immunization and well-baby clinics in 6 primary healthcare centers in Hail city. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to interview the consented participants. Results The majority of mothers (72.9%) were aware of EBF; 24% reported initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after delivery; however, 71.1% did during the first 24 hours. The majority (76.8%) fed colostrum to their newborn; nevertheless, 50.1% had given a prelacteal feeding. Mothers who reported EBF practice were 50.7% (CI 45.9–55.4). The adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that mother's awareness about EBF (aOR 3.03; 95% CI 1.78–5.18), antenatal care received at the governmental facility (aOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.28–5.41), breastfeeding a previous child (aOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.46–4.03), counseling received after delivery (aOR 2.47; 95% CI 1.34–4.53), and colostrum feeding given (aOR 4.24; 95% CI 2.31–7.77) were positively associated with EBF practice. On the other hand, mother's education (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.15–0.99), higher family income (aOR 0.04; 95% CI 0.00–0.31), and practice prelacteal feeding (aOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.38–0.97) were negatively associated with EBF practice. Conclusion EBF rate in urban Hail is still far below WHO recommendations. Efforts to strengthen mothers' counseling/support during antenatal care and immediately after delivery are needed to promote EBF practice, especially in the private sector.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers in Sheka Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to identify the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Sheka zone, Ethiopia. In addition, the study aims to assess the prevalence of EBF practice in the study area. Study designA community-based cross-sectional study design was used. MethodsA random sample of 630 mothers was selected by stratified cluster sampling using Kebele (an administrative unit) as a cluster. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires between June and July 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of EBF. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of EBF practice. ResultsThe prevalence of EBF was 76%. The prevalence of EBF decreases as the age of the infant increases: 95.3% of infants aged 1 month were exclusively breastfed, but only 45.5% of infants aged 6 months were exclusively breastfed. The determinants of EBF practice were age of the child, mother’s educational level, marital status, household income, place of delivery, receiving postnatal care and place of residence. Mothers with a child aged <1 month were 34.9 times more likely to be practicing EBF than mothers with a child aged 5–6 months. ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of EBF was below the World Health Organisation recommended level, the practice of EBF in the study area was good. The prevalence of EBF was shown to decrease as infant age increased. Therefore, we recommend that health workers in health centres and hospitals provide advice about EBF and the duration of EBF during postnatal care visits and infant vaccination appointments.

Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices of Female Healthcare Workers in Jakarta, Indonesia

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that mothers worldwide exclusively breastfeed their infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Indonesia had not fulfilled the global standard of breastfeeding rate so that there was low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in East Jakarta, especially for female healthcare workers. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices of healthcare workers. This was a quantitative study using a cross-sectional design. The recruited sample consisted of 85 female public health center workers with infants aged 6-24 months. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The results showed that the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding was 54.1%. Variables associated with exclusive breastfeeding were knowledge, attitude, family support, co-worker support, and healthcare worker support. Multivariate analysis showed that knowledge and age were the dominant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices with an odds ratio (OR) adjusted OR of 14 and 5, re¬spectively. Knowledge was an influential factor in the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, creating a training program related to breastfeeding would be expected to improve knowledge. Besides, a supportive policy such as providing breastfeeding facilities was needed.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice in Bangladesh: Evidence from nationally representative survey data.

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means that an infant should be breastfed only for the first six months of life to achieve optimal child development and to prevent infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this analysis was to determine the individual-, household-, and community-level factors associated with EBF practice in Bangladesh.MethodsA total of 1,440 women-child pairs data were analysed extracted from 2011 and 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Multilevel logistic regression models were used separately for individual-, household-, and community level factors to identify the different level of factors associated with EBF practice.ResultsAround 61% women in Bangladesh practiced EBF with significant variation across several individual-, household-, and community-level factors. At the individual level, higher odds of EBF practice was found among mothers' received higher number of antenatal care and lower age of child. Mothers' higher education and engagement in formal jobs were found negatively associated with EBF practice. At the community level, higher odds of EBF was found among women live in Barishal, Dhaka, and Rajshahi divisions, and resided in the community with moderate level of female education, higher level of fertility, and higher use of antenatal and delivery care.ConclusionsOne in every three children in Bangladesh do not breastfeed exclusively which needs special attention for the policymakers. In this case, educated women engaged in income generating activities and women did not use antenatal care should be given priority. At the community level, priority should be given for the women's resides in the community with lower level of antenatal and delivery healthcare services use.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Nursing Mothers in Enugu State

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) plays a pivotal role in determining the optimal health and development of infants with reduction in infant mortality. This study focuses on those factors which place nursing mothers in the likelihood of not adopting and practicing EBF. It is a descriptive study that utilized a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire, mean and standard deviation were used. The result shows that the EBF practice among nursing mothers is high with a grand mean and standard deviation of 2.75 (0.61). Those with secondary qualification and below had 3.10(0.37) while tertiary had 2.23 (0.41). Mothers aged 25 and below had 3.39 (0.14) and above age 25 had 2.57(0.52).Parity of 1-4 had 2.93 (0.47) while parity of 5 and above had 1.93 (0.34). Married and single mothers had 2.75 (0.61) and 1.26 (0.05) respectively. Effective EBF education is needed to reduce socio-demographic factors that hinder mothers’ practice of EBF.

Estimating the rate and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among rural mothers in Southern Ghana

BackgroundThe health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding practices in both the short and long term accrue to breastfed infants, mothers, families and the society at large. Despite the evidence of these benefits and adoption of various World Health Organization (WHO) strategies on promotion of exclusive breastfeeding by Ghana, the increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding has been very slow in the country. This study aimed to estimate the rate and investigate socio-economic and demographic determinants of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding in two rural districts in Southern Ghana.MethodsPregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, demographic and socioeconomic information of 1870 women who were prospectively registered by the Dodowa Health and Demographic Surveillance System and gave birth between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013 was extracted. The proportion of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding among the study participants was estimated and the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables were explored using logistics regression model at 95% confidence level.ResultsThe proportion of mothers who exclusive breastfed for 6 months in the study was 71.0%. Mothers aged 25–29 and 30 + years are 93 and 91% respectively more likely to practice 6 months exclusive breastfeeding compared to those aged < 20 years (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.25, 2.99, OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.91, 3.08). The odds of artisan mothers practicing 6 months exclusive breastfeeding is 36% less likely compared to those unemployed (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43, 0.96). There is a higher chance that 45% of mothers with a household size of more than five members to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those with household size of less than six (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.16, 1.81). Women in the fishing district were 85% less likely to practice 6 months exclusive breastfeeding compared to those in farming district (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.12, 0.20).ConclusionThere is high rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the study area. Maternal age, type of occupation, household size and district of residence are determinants of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding among the study participants.

A qualitative exploration of the sociocultural determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among rural mothers, North West Nigeria

BackgroundSuboptimal breastfeeding is responsible for 96% of deaths among children under 12 months of age in developing countries. However, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria from birth to 6 months is just 23%. The study explored the sociocultural factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among rural mothers.MethodsThe social constructionism-interpretivist epistemological approach underpinned this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers aged 18–39 years, purposefully sampled from two Local Government Areas in Katsina State, Nigeria. Thematic content approach was utilised for analysis.ResultsThree major themes were developed from the analysis: (1) Breastfeeding initiation – the determinants of how soon a mother initiated breastfeeding included traditional new-born care practices, the birth attendant and place of delivery. (2) Exclusive breastfeeding - motivation to sustain exclusive breastfeeding was influenced by the conflict between the obligation to perform traditional rites, the mother’s awareness and family support. (3) Decision-making about infant feeding – the husband, grandmother, traditional birth attendant and the health workers all influenced participants’ decisions around infant feeding. Despite awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among most mothers interviewed, they expressed concerns that they may not win their family’s support if their views were contrary to those held by other family members.ConclusionWhile mothers have limited powers to make decisions, the key role that grandmothers and husbands have in decisions about breastfeeding demonstrates the need to engage the support of partners and relatives through community-driven policies and integrated interventions that address social and cultural barriers throughout the prenatal and postnatal period.

Awareness and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Uyo, Nigeria

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a nutrition specific intervention that is crucial to growth and development of a young child and contributes to the attainment of sustainable development goals.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the level of awareness, prevalence and determinants of EBF among nursing mothers attending Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Uyo Local Government, Nigeria&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: three selected Primary Health care facilities in Uyo Local Government (LG) of Akwa Ibom state Nigeria. June-July 2017.&#x0D; Methods: The study used a descriptive cross sectional design involving 331 mothers attending child welfare clinics in three (PHC) facilities that were selected using simple random sampling techniques. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio- demographic characteristics, awareness and practice of EBF. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages, and continuous data using mean and standard deviation, chi square was used to assess the relationship between variables. While multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of EBF practice .&#x0D; Results: The level of awareness of EBF and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) were 89% and 88.5% respectively and universal awareness was 81.3%. Out of 231 infants below 6 months, 42% of them were currently on EBF and 36.8% (122/331) of the infants 0-12 months had EBF, the EIBF rate was 54.4%, about 45% of the infants had been on infant formula. Mothers who practiced EBF were significantly older than those who did not, the predictors of EBF were; delivery at the health facility (AOR 4.3; 1.84-10.49), normal delivery (AOR 2.3; 1.15-4.4), those with 2 (AOR 1.9; 1.04-3.4) or more than 3 children (AOR 4.7;1.91-9.9), mothers who had opportunity to breastfeed at work place (AOR 4;1.2-12.9) and mothers who were unemployed/self-employed (AOR 7.2; 2.2-23.7).&#x0D; Conclusion: The practice of EBF remains poor despite relatively high level of awareness, measures such as Community-based breastfeeding support groups, one-on-one counselling and establishment of crèches in workplaces should be put in place. The international codes on marketing of breast-milk substitutes should be fully implemented.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers of Infants Less Than Six Months in Galkayo, Somalia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding has crucial importance on the lives of infants and young children. It provides all the energy and nutrients that infant needs for the first months of life. In sub-Saharan African countries including Somalia, the morbidity and mortality rates of infants and young children less than five years of age are high compared to developed countries. The main causes of these are mainly due to inadequate and sufficient EBF/BF practices with the combination of diseases like infant diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria and measles. Thus this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of EBF in Somalia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from 384 mothers of infants less than 6 months of age residing in Northern side of Galkayo District using systematic sampling method. Cumulative Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated using bivariate analysis with binary logistic regression model to identify independent determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Results: Majority (99.7%) of the interviewed mothers had ever breastfed their baby. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 5.2% whereas 94.8% did not exclusively breastfeed their baby up to the intended six months. A mother with formal education was a predictor to exclusive breastfeeding practice. Having formal education, health facility delivery, receiving EBF counseling and maternal unemployment were found to be predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be very low compared to the WHO recommendations (5.2% in our study compared to 90% of WHO recommendations). However, our current study found that, majority (n= 221, 57.5%) of the women had knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding initiation. We recommend to strengthen the available basic services and to promote formal education on mothers in Somalia. We also recommend means to encourage mothers to deliver health facilities and to increase the awareness and counseling of EBF among pregnant mothers during their visit of ANC.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in infants less than six months of age in Hawassa, an urban setting, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life. However, the proportion of EBF in Ethiopia is 58%. The EBF practice and factors affecting it have not been studied in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of EBF practice among infants less than six months age in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 529 mothers with infants aged 0–6 months were involved in this study between November 2015 and January 2016. Trained interviewers collected data from the mothers of the infants. Exclusive breastfeeding was assessed based on infant feeding practice in the prior 24 h. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted.ResultsInfants aged 0–5.9 months were studied with comparable gender composition (51.4% females). The exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 60.9% (95% CI 56.6, 65.1). Mothers with infants aged 0–1.9 months and 2–3.9 months practiced EBF more likely than mothers with infants aged 4–6 months (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.59; 95% CI 2.07, 6.2) and (AOR 2.08; 95% CI 1.23, 3.5), respectively. Married mothers practiced EBF more likely than singles (AOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.03, 4.06). Housewives practiced EBF more likely than employed mothers (AOR 2.57; 95% CI 1.34, 4.9). Mothers who had a vaginal birth were more likely to practice EBF than mothers who gave birth via Cesarean section (AOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.7, 4.6). Mothers who gave birth at a healthcare facility were more likely to practice EBF than mothers who gave birth at home (AOR 8.8; 95% CI 5.04, 15.4). Mothers without a breast complication practiced exclusive breastfeeding more than mothers with breast complications (AOR 2.05; 95% CI 1.5, 4.1).ConclusionsThis study showed a low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Younger infants, babies born to married women, who are housewives, having a vaginal birth in a health facility, and whose mother’s breasts were healthy, were predictors for EBF. The promotion of an institutional delivery, optimal breastfeeding practices, and designing strategies to better support employed mothers are recommended.

Revisiting the socioeconomic determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices: evidence from Eastern Indonesia

This paper attempts to fill several important research gaps on the socioeconomic determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices. In contrast to previous studies that have focused on the timely initiation and duration of breastfeeding, this article examines exclusive breastfeeding practices. Using data on 1138 children from the Indonesian Family Life Survey East 2012, we revisited to what extent mothers’ education levels and work in non-traditional sectors influence exclusive breastfeeding patterns. Furthermore, we investigated to what extent health-care demand and supply factors influence exclusive breastfeeding practices. Controlling for a wide range of individual, household, and community characteristics, our findings suggest that exclusive breastfeeding practices are affected positively by mothers’ education and negatively by mothers’ labour market participation in non-traditional employment contracts. Moreover, our results indicate that a higher availability and quality of health-care supply does not necessarily lead to better exclusive breastfeeding practices. Only when health-care supply was matched with a significant demand for such services, did we observe a higher chance for optimal exclusive breastfeeding.