Prevalence Of Exclusive Breast Feeding And Its Correlates In An Urban Slum In Western India
- Author:
Patil Sapna S
;
Hasamnis Ameya A
;
Pathare Rooma S
;
Parmar Aarti
;
Rashid A K
;
Narayan K A
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Breastfeeding, Exclusive breastfeeding, Prelacteal feeds, India, Urban
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2009;3(2):14-18
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: The World Health Organization
recommends the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of
infants for the first 6 months after birth. The objective
of present study was to estimate the prevalence and
the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding.
The perceptions of mothers about breastfeeding in an
urban slum area of Western India were also enquired.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted over
six months amongst 200 mothers of children in the age
group of 6 – 12 months attending the growth and
development clinic in one of the urban health centres.
Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured
questionnaire on breastfeeding practices. Factors related
to exclusive breastfeeding were analysed using bivariate
and multivariate analysis.
Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding reported
by the participants was 61.5%. Having a male child,
maternal age < 30 years, level of education of mother,
parity, receiving infant feeding advice, initiation of
breastfeeding within one hour of birth and
administration of colostrum to the baby were associated
with exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.001). Multivariate
logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex
(adjusted odd ratios: 20.03), primiparity (0.19), home
delivery (0.32), receiving infant feeding advice (5.90),
initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth
(0.26) and giving colostrum to the baby (2.56) were
independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
Prelacteal feeds were given by almost 35% of mothers.
Conclusion: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was
higher than the national figures. However, practices like
discarding the colostrum, giving prelacteal feeds,
early/late weaning and use of formula feeds are still
widely prevalent and need to be addressed.
- Full text:W020150928424276543321.pdf
