Prevalence and factors influencing exclusive Breastfeeding among mothers of infants under Six month of age attending Wajir county Referral hospital, Wajir county, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants from birth to six months is regarded as one of the best practices for infant health and survival. However some cultural practices are influencing EBF in many sub-Saharan African countries. Factors affecting EBF from child birth to six months of age have not been well researched in Wajir County. Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors that influence the practice of EBF among mothers of children aged 0-<6 months. The study further aimed to establish the perceptions and practices about EBF among the study participants. Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted among 124 mothers with infants 0- <6 months visiting Wajir county referral hospital. Systematic sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 124 after sampling interval of 3. A researcher- administered questionnaire (structured and semi-structured) and in-depth interview guide were used to collect data. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted among mothers of infants 0-<6 to investigate infant feeding practices. All the analysis of the quantitative data was done through SPSS. Test on the relationship between various independent variables and EBF was done through Chi-square. Results: Majority of the mothers interviewed were between 20-30 years, the youngest was 20 years and the eldest 39 years. The median age of the mothers was 25 years. Majority (88.7%) of the mothers were married, (5.6%) were divorced, and the same proportion were (5.6%) widowed. The mean age was 3.4 months, while the percent of female and male infants was, 55% and 45% respectively. Slightly less than half (44%) of the mothers practiced continuous EBF since the infants birth. The decision to practice EBF was influenced by grandmothers (39.3%), mothers own decisions (37.5%) and health workers (21.4%). Almost all (96%) of mothers knew the importance of colostrum to the health of the baby, while 58% stated that breast milk was sufficient for the child for the first six months. Delayed milk production (26%) and illness (22%) were two major reasons for the practice of mixed feeding. In the univariate analysis maternal EBF knowledge, place of delivery and maternal education were found to have significant association with EBF. There was a positive significant correlation between EBF and Maternal EBF knowledge (P=0.04), mother`s education (P= 0.02), the number of children ((P=0.029) and place of delivery (P =0.03). Conclusion: Based on the findings, EBF in Wajir County is below the national level of (61%) and much lower than the recommended WHO threshold of 90%. Delayed milk production and insufficient breast milk should be addressed as they affect EBF Recommendations: Maternal perception on insufficient milk production, delayed milk secretion should be addressed as they affect adherence to EBF. Community based health education approach should be used to reach mothers, infant grandmothers, husbands and community health workers.