Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for six months among mothers with infants aged 6-12 months in Lushoto district ,Tanga region, Tanzania

Abstract

In Tanzania, infant feeding is faced with several sub-optimal breastfeeding practices with low rate of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. These contribute to various healthy related problems with increase in infant's morbidity and mortality. The main goal of this study was to assess factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of infant's life, among women with infants aged 6-12 months in Lushoto district. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected at single point in a time. The participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected through household visit using questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The results show that all 284( 1 00%) women have ever breastfed their infants with high rate 214(75%) of breastfeeding initiation. However, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for six months remained low 57(20.1 %). Maternal age 20-29 years (OR=9.16; 95% Cl: 1.6 - 51.5), age more than 30 years (OR= 9.80; 95% Cl: l.6 - 58.9), house wife's (OR= 9.80; 95% Cl: l.6 - 58.9), and health workers as source information (OR=lO.4; 95% Cl: l.57 - 69.5) and un skilled delivery attendants (OR=0.49; 95% Cl 0.25 - 0.98) were the main predictors of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Place of delivery, mass media as source of information was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding, however they didn't predict likely hood of exclusive breastfeeding for first six months. Mother's education level, parity, knowledge level and attitude were not significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding for six months. It is therefore recommended that, main focus should be placed on appropriate and adequate health education, support and encouragement to mothers aged 20-29 and above 30 years. Lactating mothers should be given the recommended two hours daily for breastfeeding during the first six months. Also they should be sensitized, encouraged, motivated, and supported to attend RCHs clinics for getting appropriate and adequate exclusive breastfeeding information together with skilled and practical help from skilled health care workers.