Determinants of Optimum Breastfeeding Among Mothers of Child Less than Two Years in Bishoftu Town, East Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Back ground - The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority. Vast scientific literatures demonstrated substantial health, social and economic benefits associated with appropriate breastfeeding, including lower infant morbidity and mortality from diarrhea and infectious diseases. WHO and UNICEF recommend that all mothers should breastfeed their children exclusively for the first 6 months and thereafter. In Ethiopia, like in other developing nations, diarrhea is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality in young infant and children, especially in urban areas, due to inappropriate breastfeeding patterns. Breastfeeding being a vital and indispensable part of primary health care, studies have not been conducted in East Shewa zone on determinants of optimum breastfeeding among mothers of reproductive age group. Objective – To assess determinants of optimum breastfeeding among mothers of child aged less than two years in Bishoftu town, Ada’a woreda, East Shewa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods – A cross- sectional community based study design was employed. A total of 806 mothers of children age less than two years residing in Bishoftu town, East Shewa zone, Ethiopia were selected by using systematic random sampling for the quantitative study. The households were selected by systematic random sampling, which is by dividing the total number of households in all selected kebeles by the allocated sample size to get study subjects. Experienced interviewers and qualified supervisors were employed and a pre-tested questionnaire was utilized for this purpose. Result—Four hundred ten (50.9%) had sufficient knowledge on benefit of breastfeeding. Knowledge was found to be influenced by PNC. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice is only 34.1%. PNC follow up and maternal educations are significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Mothers who attended PNC are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than those who did not attend (AOR= 2.19 (1.12, 4.32)), and those who did not attend formal school are more likely to practice exclusively (AOR= 3.61 (1.14, 11.43)), than mothers who attended education. Conclusion: It is concluded that maternal knowledge on benefit of breastfeeding is insufficient and breastfeeding practice is sub-optimal. This would increase the risk of faltered growth, infant/young child diarrhea and/or malnutrition, ARI and in addition it shortens birth interval and high fertility. Therefore strengthening counseling mothers on optimal breastfeeding practice and improving the information provision by suitable focused intensive IEC activity and other recommendations is forwarded.