Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mother with Infant Age 0-6 Months

Purpose: The health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) on survival, growth and development of a child as well as health and wellbeing of a mother are well documented. The purpose of this study to determine factors affect exclusive breastfeeding practice. Objective:-The aimed of this study to identify the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the factors influencing its practice among infants aged 0-6 months. Material and Methods: 244 mothers with infant's 0-6monthsold were interview at Abu Said South Administrative Unit Omdurman Locality Khartoum State-Sudan. Results: The rate of continuous exclusive breastfeeding since birth was 38.0% while the rate based on 24 hour recall was 56.7%. In univariate analyses, infant age and infant morbidity, maternal morbidity, maternal breast health and maternal knowledge on breastfeeding issues had significant associations with exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal knowledge aspects included; mothers correct knowledge on duration of exclusive breastfeeding ( P=0.005) and Pless than0.001); In the logistic regression analyses, infant morbidity ( P=0.01) for continuous EBF since birth and ( P=less than0.01) for EBF based on 24 hour recall was retained as the strongest predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. . Exclusive breastfeeding rate in Abu Said South Administrative unit Omdurman Locality Sudan was below the level recommended by WHO (90%) although higher than the Sudan national rate (41%). Conclusions: The study findings indicated that infant morbidity and maternal breast health are important factors to consider in the messages on the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.