Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Ibadan, Nigeria

Although nationwide efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding began in Nigeria in 1992, data on this type of infant feeding are still generally scarce. Current status breastfeeding data were obtained from 2794 mothers, enrolled from randomly selected infant welfare clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate factors that are associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The exclusive breastfeeding rate dropped from 57.4% at 1 month to 23.4% at 6 months. Using multiple regression analysis, younger age of infant (P < .0001), higher maternal occupation (P < .05), and delivery in tertiary (P < .0001) or secondary (P < .0001) health facility were predictive of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers 24 years or younger and primiparous mothers were less likely to breastfeed their babies exclusively (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Additional programs are needed to meet the needs of at-risk mothers, who should be identified and counseled.