Determinants of Breastfeeding Practices among Working Mothers in Solwezi District of Zambia

Background: As one of the strategies to reduce infant morbidity and mortality, World Health Organization recommends early initiation exclusive breastfeeding timely introduction complementary feeding with continued for up two years or beyond. Although is a natural process, it influenced by different socio-cultural factors, habits, standards, behaviours. Rapid industrialization changes in lifestyle have seen increasing numbers women labour force, associated poor Exclusive Breastfeeding practices among working mothers. The aim this study was identify determinants mothers Solwezi District Zambia. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative survey comparing aged 15 - 49 urban rural areas District. carried out Under-five Clinics at Solwezi, Kimasala Mushitala Urban Clinics, as well St. Francis, Kapijimpanga Kisalala Rural Centers. Eighty-seven participants were successfully recruited using convenience sampling. A researcher-assisted questionnaire used collect data. Data analysis done SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistical numerical measures such central tendency dispersion. Pearson Chi Square test, correlation linear regression performed test association between variables 0.05 level significance. Are you assessing alone what? Results: mean age respondents 27.44 (SD = 6.042 years) majority married (71.3%, n 62). Forty-three percent self-employed while rest formal government private sector employment. Overall, 97.7% had heard breastfeeding, health facilities being most frequent source information (64.4%). Attitude towards generally positive. Fifty-eight exclusively breastfed on mixed feeding. Seventy-one reported that their workplaces did not work. Only 11.5% having cultural beliefs restricting breastfeeding. Statistically significant associations obtained from cross-tabulation respondent’s occupation baby type (p 0.001); workload (0.024); knowledge EBF 0.001). Conclusion: Majority demonstrated good positive attitude sensitization campaigns communities raise awareness about importance foster behaviour change promotes