Publication: Prevalence of Exclusive Breast Feeding and its Associated Factors among Mothers
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Breast feeding is the priceless gift given by mother to her newborn. It also has
benefits to both mothers and baby. Prevalence of exclusive breast feeding varies
from 26.4% in one study to that of 82.2% in another study.
Objective
To assess the factors associated with exclusive breast feeding among mothers.
Method
A prospective cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling method, was
carried out in Dhulikhel Municipality for two months in November and December
2017 after taking permission from KUSMS IRC and from Dhulikhel Municipality. The
study sample was 218 mothers whose infants between 6 months to 1 year were
included in the study. A structured and semi-structured interview schedule was used
in order to collect the information. Descriptive statistics including frequency and
percentage was calculated to summarize mothers’ socio-demographic information.
Chi-square test was used for non-parametric categorical data in order to find out the
association between variables. P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Result
The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding was 75.7% in the present study. Maternal
age found to be varied from 17 years to 40 years. Maternal age, parity of mother
and types of family found to be significantly associated with the practice of exclusive
breast feeding (p < 0.05). Mothers’ occupation and education level was not associated
with the practice of exclusive breast feeding.
Conclusion
Majority of the mothers practice exclusive breast feeding (75.7%). Finding of this
study i.e. the factors influencing the practice of exclusive breast feeding will help the
health care workers to plan the community awareness program on it.
KEY WORDS
Exclusive breast feed, Infants, Mothers
Description
Bhandari N, Prajapati R
Department of Nursing
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Exclusive breast feed, Infants, Mothers