Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding amongst Breast Feeding Mothers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding amongst mothers in Kakamega county, Kenya. Design. The study was a cross-sectional analytical study and Quantitative methods were adopted. Setting. The study was carried out in Kakamega County Sample. The respondents were sampled by random sampling among women attending outpatient department at Ap line Hospital, Kakamega County, Kenya; the researcher drew a predetermined number using simple random sampling (n = 170) Analysis. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, chi-square test of independence and logistic regression. Main outcome measures. Knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding Results.144 (85 %) of the respondent said they were counselled on breastfeeding.110 (65 %) said that time of breastfeeding attachment was more than one hour. Majority (n=121, 71 %) agreed that breastfeeding protects the baby from illness while 115 (68 %) said they did not express breastmilk for baby to feed when not at home. On practices, 56 % (n=95) practices early weaning while 115 (68 %) said they practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Bivariate analysis on client factors that are associated with exclusive breastfeeding shows that there was a borderline significant relationship between level of education and practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the study area (OR: 0.7; 95 % CI: 0.5 1.0; p=0.06). Similarly, women who had hospital deliveries were about two times more likely to practice of exclusive breastfeeding in contrast to those who had home deliveries (OR: 1.7; 95 %CI: 1.1 2.8; p=0.02). Conclusion. Despite majority of breastfeeding mothers having knowledge others do not practice exclusive breastfeeding due to misconception and needs therefore maternal knowledge, attitude and belief have significant association with the practices of exclusive breastfeeding among breastfeeding mothers. It is recommended that, there is need to emphasis early initiation of breast altered within 1 hour of birth and the importance of breastfeeding the child on demand to sustain quality of breast milk production through antenatal and postnatal chronic. mothers need counselling if they doubt their breast milk is in adequate or going back to work that strong breast milk is safe for the infants.