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A rapid assessment of breastfeeding status using current status data
T O Lawoyin1, S Atwood, J F Olawuyi
1Harvard School of Public Health, 665, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding in Ibadan, Nigeria, reached 39.6%, with over 99% of infants ever breastfed. Median exclusive breastfeeding duration was 61 days, highlighting the need for continued promotion and support for this vital infant feeding practice.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
- Assessing breastfeeding rates is essential for effective public health interventions.
- Nigeria has implemented nationwide efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding since 1992.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate current breastfeeding rates in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- To determine the prevalence and duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
- To evaluate the utility of probit analysis for rapid assessment of breastfeeding practices.
Main Methods:
- Probit analysis of current status epidemiological data.
- Utilized data from 3428 mother-baby pairs in Ibadan.
- Employed weighted linear regression with maximum likelihood iterative procedure.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 39.6%.
- Over 99% of children were ever-breastfed.
- Median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 61 days (Mean: 64.8 ± 44.4 days).
Conclusions:
- Despite nationwide efforts, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Ibadan indicate room for improvement.
- Probit analysis offers a rapid and effective method for assessing breastfeeding practices using readily available data.
- Enhanced community support and promotion are vital to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and duration.