Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding, Using Adaptive LASSO Regression

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months significantly benefits maternal and child health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• Identifying factors influencing EBF duration is crucial for improving infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the factors affecting the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in a sample of Iranian infants.
• To provide evidence for targeted interventions to promote EBF.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study conducted in Fars, Iran (April 2012 - October 2014) with 2640 mothers and healthy term infants.
• Comparison of demographic, medical, and pregnancy-related factors between EBF and non-EBF groups.
• Multivariable analysis using Adaptive Lasso regression to identify significant factors.

Main Results:

• Mean EBF duration was 4.63±1.99 months.
• Maternal education level and employment status (housewife vs. part-time/full-time job) were significantly associated with EBF duration.
• Key factors influencing EBF duration included infant weight gain, pregnancy type (singleton/multiple), maternal perception of milk quantity, postpartum infection, pacifier use, infant irritability, birth place, and mother's employment.

Conclusions:

• Maternal education and employment are significant factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding duration.
• Health policy-makers should promote EBF programs targeting educated and working mothers to improve community health.
• Interventions should address factors like postpartum infection, pacifier use, and infant irritability to support longer EBF duration.