Knowledge and practices of women in Monastir, Tunisia regarding breastfeeding

Abstract

We assessed the prevalence of breastfeeding and its determinants and mothers' knowledge and practices towards this issue among 354 women attending primary health centres for their child's 6- month vaccination in the region of Monastir in 2008. The mean age of the women was 30 (SD 5.5) years. Most (90.8%) knew that breastfeeding helped prevent infections in babies but only 38.5% knew that breast milk supplies all infant feeding needs until 6 months of age. While was 94.4% breastfed their babies to start, only 1.9% continued exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months. Main reasons for stopping breastfeeding were perceived breast milk insufficiency followed by return to work. Exclusive breastfeeding over 3 months was associated with skin-to-skin contact (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.016-3.69) and mothers' knowledge about breast milk benefits (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.2-6.6). Early weaning was related to using pacifiers and breast-milk substitutes (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.08-0.36 and OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05-0.38 respectively).