Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Mothers Visiting Tabriz Health Centers in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Background & aim: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first ۶ months of life is recommended for all infants. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۱۸۳ lactating mothers with infant aged ۴ months referring to Tabriz health centers and health bases in July to October ۲۰۱۷. Sampling was done by a two-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using the infant feeding checklist, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and the Self-efficacy Scale. Independent t-test was used to determine the relationship between feeding attitude and breastfeeding self -efficacy. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding.Results: Mean of attitude toward breastfeeding was ۵۵.۱۳±۵.۵ (ranging ۱۷ to ۸۵).  Mean of breastfeeding self-efficacy was ۱۳۱.۸±۱۵.۵ (ranging ۳۳ to ۱۶۵). From ۱۸۳ mothers who participated in the study, ۷۲.۰% reported exclusive breastfeeding. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding with feeding attitude (P = ۰.۰۰۵) and breastfeeding self-efficacy (P = ۰.۰۰۴). According to the logistic regression model, there was a statistically significant relationship between neutral breastfeeding attitude with positive attitude toward formula feeding (OR=۱۶.۶; P<۰.۰۰۱), vaginal delivery (OR=۹.۳; P<۰.۰۰۱), breastfeeding immediately after delivery (OR=۶.۸; P=۰.۰۰۶), personal experience of breastfeeding (OR=۱۱; P=۰.۰۰۸) and refusal to breastfeed (OR=۸.۷; P=۰.۰۰۳). These variables led to increased frequency of exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion: It is recommended to promote practical management to resolve breastfeeding problems as well as encouraging women for vaginal delivery and early breastfeeding.

Keywords:

Breastfeeding , Attitude , Self-efficacy , Exclusive breastfeeding