Prevalence and Determinants Affecting Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending Meet Mazah Outpatient Clinic

Abstract

Background: Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been considered as an efficient strategy for reduction of infant morbimortality for the first 6 months of the infant’s life. Several factors have been considered as determinants of breastfeeding (BF) among a rural community. Objective: To determine the prevalence of BF in the studied group, assess maternal factors affecting breastfeeding and find out determinants of BF among a rural community in the village of Meet Mazah, Dakahlya, Egypt. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on a total of 200 breast-feeder mothers to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding in the studied group, assess maternal factors affecting BF and find out determinants of BF among a rural community in the village of Meet Mazah, Dakahlya, Egypt. Results: The prevalence of breastfeeding was 71%. BF was significantly higher among younger age, lower educational level and lower income mothers. BF mothers were significantly more knowledgeable about the importance of breastfeeding compared to non-BF. BF women were associated with a higher attitude of breastfeeding compared to non-BF ones Conclusion: Despite mothers’ knowledge and attitudes towards EBF were favorable, practice of EBF was not optimal. The current study adds further evidence that knowledge of EBF, mother’s age, maternal income and maternal level of education are essential determinants in the context of EBF practice.