Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in South Gujarat Region of India

OBJECTIVE To estimate the situation of breastfeeding in Surat among infants and to determine variables associated to major risks for early weaning. DESIGN AND SETTINGS Mothers coming to the well baby clinic for immunization of infants at Government Medical College and Hospital were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. SUBJECTS Mothers with their infants who have not completed one year of age. METHODS In this cross sectional study, 498 mothers were selected for study from May to September, 2008. Survival analysis was the method used to calculate the prevalence and the median duration of breastfeeding. The Chi-square test was performed to compare the proportions; significance level was set at 5%. Odds ratio was used to measure the significance of association, with a 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for early weaning. RESULTS The median length of exclusive breastfeeding was 6 months. Risk factors for early weaning were primiparity (OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.01- 4.51), consecutive delivery interval less than 24 months (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.09 - 2.92), maternal age below 20 years (OR = 6.49, 95% CI = 2.69 - 15.61), and paternal occupation as labor (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.36 - 3.00). CONCLUSIONS Exclusive breastfeeding practices are not in a better situation than at national level. The factors related to early weaning denote a weak breastfeeding support given by maternal and infant health services. KEYWORDS Exclusive breastfeeding; Weaning; Antenatal care; Postnatal care; Education.