Abstract
Introduction: Limited information is available regarding factors contributing to exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month. This information is needed to design appropriate policy interventions.
Methods: A survey about socio-demographic characteristics, information received, onset and duration of breastfeeding and causes of weaning was applied. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months were determined by multivariate logistic regression.
Results: 256 mothers attending a public sector hospital and 158 mothers attending a private sector hospital responded to the survey. The following factors were higher in the private sector group: Education level, primiparity, cesarean sections and work outside the home (p < 0.02). 45.8% of mothers continued exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, with no difference seen between groups. The main causes of weaning were: maternal decision (27.2%), perceived hunger (24.1%), esthetic factors (17.3%) and child's illness (13.0%). Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months was associated with a previous successful breastfeeding (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.2-13.2), female child (OR 5.5 CI 2.5-12.3), lower maternal education (OR 5.4 CI 2.4-11.7) and public health system (OR 2.1 CI 1.0-4.5).
Conclusion: Weaning is often associated with maternal perceptions rather than objective data. Socio-demographic variables influence successful prolonged breastfeeding. Better education in health factors and breastfeeding might improve this situation.
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