Prevalence and Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Breastfeeding Mothers in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months has several benefits for children in reducing their morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of EBF practice and its influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 362 breastfeeding mothers attending selected health facilities in the Kathmandu district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through a face-to-face interview. The knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and social support of breastfeeding were assessed by Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF) and Exclusive Breastfeeding Social Support Scale (EBSSS) scales respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, through SPSS. Results: The prevalence of EBF practices for the six months was 64.1%. The higher proportion (99.2%) of the respondents had high self-efficacy for breastfeeding, 95.3% of the respondents had positive attitudes toward EBF, and 89.8% had high social support for EBF practices. The determinant of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale was being a Hindu religion (aOR 6.1, 95% CI, 2.23-16.58). The determinants of the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale were being a mother who did colostrum feeding (aOR 11.8, 95% CI, 2.29-61.14), had institutional delivery (aOR 7.4, 95% CI, 2.21-24.54), and had school level education (aOR 3.6, 95% CI, 1.54-8.53). The determinants of EBF practices were of being an unemployed mother (aOR 2.7, 95%CI, 1.40-5.07) and mothers aged 26 year-old and below (aOR 1.7, 95%CI, 1.08-2.64). Conclusion: Findings reveal that high level of knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and social support towards exclusive breastfeeding, but the prevalence of EBF practice is still low, so it should be promoted by having targeted intervention programs for mothers who are at-risk groups. Breastfeeding awareness programs should be integrated into the existing immunization clinics and give information to mothers about its long-term benefits.