Socio-Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Exclusive Breastfeeding practices up to Six Months of Age
Anil C Mathew1, Jibin K Benny2, Dona Maria Philip2
1Professor of Biostatistics, Department of Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for infant health, but practice varies. This study found younger mothers and those with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to practice EBF, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of infant life for optimal growth and development.
- Practices of EBF show significant variation across developing countries.
- Understanding factors influencing EBF is crucial for improving infant health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in a specific population.
- To identify the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on EBF practices.
- To inform targeted interventions for promoting EBF.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore in July 2018.
- Included mothers with children under 4 years attending the pediatric outpatient department.
- Utilized Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and logistic regression analysis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of EBF was 58.4% among infants up to 6 months.
- The mean duration of EBF was 4.52 months.
- Younger maternal age (15-24 years) and lower socioeconomic status were negatively associated with EBF.
Conclusions:
- Interventions promoting EBF up to six months should target younger mothers.
- Support for EBF should be prioritized for women of lower socioeconomic status.
- Socio-demographic factors significantly influence the practice and duration of EBF.
Background:
According to the recommendations from The World Health Organization, exclusive breast feeding (EBF) should be given to infants for the first six months for healthy growth and development. However, developing countries have a wide range of variation in the practice of EBF. From this study, we aim to estimate the duration of EBF and find the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on EBF.
Materials And Methods:
This study was conducted at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore in the month of July 2018. Mothers with children aged below 4 years attending the paediatric outpatient department were included in the study. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed.
Results:
Our analysis indicates that the prevalence of EBF was 58.4% among infants up to 6 months of age with mean duration of EBF 4.52 months. It was observed that mothers of a younger age (15-24 years) and with lower socio-economic status were negatively associated with the practice of providing EBF to infants up to six months of age.
Conclusion:
The findings clearly indicate that the interventions related to EBF up to six months of age should be targeted at women in the lower socio-economic status and at younger ages.
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