Factors associated with the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding: cross-sectional analysis of a Peruvian national survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding, without the incorporation of foods other than breast milk, is sufficient for the growth, development, and strengthening of the infant's immune system in the first 6 months of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding according to the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey during 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study including 11296 mothers of infants older than 6 months. The dependent variable was exclusive breastfeeding interruption and the independent variables were the sociodemographic characteristics of the mother and infant. Absolute and relative frequencies were described, together with bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11, 296 mothers with children aged six months or older were included. A total of 26.2% of mothers discontinued exclusive breastfeeding. The associated factors were: mothers with higher educational level (aPR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.06-2.27) and single infant (aPR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20). Protective factors were found to be: residing in the jungle (aPR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.71-0.84), indigenous native language (aPR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.75-0.91), receiving breastfeeding training (aPR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82-0.94) and having health insurance (aPR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.97). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding interruption is low. The associated sociodemographic variables were mother's secondary or higher education level, living on the coast, medium or rich family wealth index, not receiving breastfeeding training, infant being an only child and not having health insurance.