Breastfeeding of Infants During The First Two Years of Life and Associated Factors based on BAZNEF Model in Sari, Iran

 Background and purpose: Breastfeeding in the first two years of life has great benefits in health promotion and preventing diseases. The aim of this study was to determine breastfeeding practices during the first two years of life based on BASNEF model in Sari, Iran, 2017. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 328 mothers with children younger than two years of age were selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire according to BASNEF model. Chi-square test and ANOVA were performed to analyze the data. Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 74.4%. Knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding were found be good in 41% and 75% of mothers, respectively. Significant relationships were seen between breastfeeding practices and knowledge (P=0.005), attitude (P=0.02), and enabling factors (P=0.02). In addition, significant relationships were seen between the mean scores for knowledge and attitude and mother’s education level (P= 0.002) and employment status (P= 0.0001). Conclusion: According to this study, mothers’ knowledge and attitude significantly affect their breastfeeding behavior. Therefore, breastfeeding practices could be promoted by increasing the attitude and knowledge of mothers towards the benefits of breastfeeding.