Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months among infants aged 0-12 months in Male’ city, Maldives

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is globally acknowledged as the most effective intervention for the child survival. However only 48% were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months in Maldives despite the efforts. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding duration among mothers of infant’s aged 0-12 months old attending Dhamanaveshi in Male’. This study is a cross-sectional analytical study and used random sample of 140 eligible mothers. Results revealed that the exclusive breastfeeding rate was 41.4% since birth up to 6 months, and was 58% when measured using 24-hour recall method. A logistic regression analysis indicated significant positive relationship between exclusive breastfeeding duration and education (p= 0.009) and knowledge (p=0.0001). The attitude, subjective norm and perceived control and intention towards exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated and perceived control and duration were greatly associated (p=0.0001). Knowledge, Attitude, Subjective norm, perceived behavior control and intention are the strong predictors for exclusive breastfeeding duration and therefore, should provide mothers enough breastfeeding knowledge and encourage new mothers’ positive breastfeeding attitude, educate mothers’ referents, and strengthen their breastfeeding control.