Publication: Breastfeeding Indicators Among Mothers in Kerala, India: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) advocate for comprehensive breastfeeding indicators to enhance current breastfeeding rates in the community. These include the early initiation of breastfeeding, six-month exclusive breastfeeding, and continuation of breastfeeding, along with complementary feeds for at least a biennial span or beyond. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of breastfeeding among mothers in the community.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken among 945 mothers having children aged from two to three years in the community. A multistage cluster sampling was done to select the mother-baby dyads. The data were collected using a validated semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed by descriptive statistics (Frequency and percentage) using SPSS version 27.
Results: The early-initiation rate of breastfeeding in the study group was 76%. Among this 65% (breastfed within half an hour) for normal delivery, and 48% (within 0 - 1 hour) for Caesarean section. The exclusive breastfeeding rate was 71% and the continuation of lactation till two years and beyond was 77.78%.
Conclusion: The present study shows the breast milk feeding within the first hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding were 76% and 71% respectively. Although there has been improvement, Kerala needs to improve the early commencement of breastfeeding and exclusive breast feeding.
Description
Namitha P
Research Fellow, School of Public Health, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Medical College P.O., Thrissur, Kerala 680596, India.
Mercy P J
Associate Professor, Academic Staff College, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Medical College P.O., Thrissur, Kerala 680596, India.
Rajamohanan K
Professor-in Charge, School of Public Health, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Medical College P.O., Thrissur, Kerala 680596, India.
Swapna K G
Associate professor, School of Public Health, Kerala university of Health Sciences (KUHS), Medical College P.O., Thrissur, Kerala 680596, India.
Keywords
Breastfeeding rates, Indicators, Community, Mothers, Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative