Prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothersof infants aged 0-6 months in Alebtong District, Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction Breastfeeding provides ideal nourishment, security, and emotional support for the healthy growth and development of newborns and infants, while also providing maternal benefits. However, in Uganda a large proportion of infants are not exclusively breastfed. Understanding the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding is crucial to promoting the practice. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Alebtong district. Method: A community based household cross- sectional study was conducted among 399 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months in Alebtong district. Multistage sampling was used. At each stage, a proportion of 50% of sub-counties, parishes and villages was taken and the respondents for the study recruited consecutively. Quantitative data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done and the data summarized using frequencies and percentages and presented using tables and charts. Bivariate analysis was done to determine associations between the dependent and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) at 95% confidence intervals were used and the level of significance was 0.05. All variables with p-value less than 0.2 at bivariate analysis were considered for multivariable analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify the factors that were significantly associated with EBF among mothers of infants aged 0-6 months. Results: Only 31.6% of the respondents practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Influence from relatives on infant feeding choice was a barrier to EBF. At multivariable logistic regression analysis young age of baby was significantly associated to EBF. Infants aged 10 to 14 weeks (AOR=0.02; CI: 0.00-0.08; P-value=0.000) and those above 14 weeks (AOR=0.00; CI: 0.00-0.03; P-value=0.000) were less likely to exclusively breastfeed compared to infants aged 0 to 9 weeks. Delivery at home was a barrier to EBF (AOR=0.23; CI: 0.06-0.86; P-value=0.028). Conclusion: EBF among mothers of infants 0-6 months in this study was 31.6%. This was low compared to the level in the UDHS of 2016 at 66% and way below the WHO target of 90%. Young age of infants was significantly associated with EBF. The factor that hindered EBF was delivery at home.