Breastfeeding Duration and Related Factors among Mothers in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers, infants and society at large. The nutritional and non-nutritional benefits are gained when practiced in line with recommended durations. Objective: The duration of breastfeeding and related factors among mothers of southeastern Nigeria were explored. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data analysis employed SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 1,833 women were surveyed. Most (93.3%) were aged 20-40 years and had at least secondary education (94,6%). More than half (64.3%) were working class. Many had 1-4 children (91.5%) and a family size of ≤6 (74.2%). Up to 83.3% of the mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Common reasons advanced for cessation of breastfeeding were pregnancy (29.8%), baby refusing to suckle (10.2%) or old enough to stop breastfeeding (18.0%). No reason for cessation was given for 22.4%. Mothers <20 years practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding or early introduction of complementary feeds, bottle-fed and were significantly least likely to breastfeed for up to one year. Conclusion: A suboptimal number of Nigerian mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Unscientific reasons were proffered for cessation of breastfeeding. Younger mothers practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding, bottle-fed and gave early complementary feeds, negatively affecting duration of breastfeeding. Sustained individualized health education is advocated to improve duration of breastfeeding and avail young children of its wholesome nutritional benefits. Key words: Breastfeeding Cessation, Breastfeeding Duration, Lactation Cessation Determinants, Weaning Timing, Nutrition.