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Published:
Jul 31, 2023DOI:
10.4314/rjmhs.v6i2.3Keywords:
Article Details
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Main Article Content
Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Associated Factors among Mothers in Karongi District, Rwanda
Abstract
Background
Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for an infant’s growth and development. In Rwanda, 47% of rural children and 27% of urban children are stunted which could be linked to poor exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, this study was carried out to assess prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors in Karongi district of Rwanda.
Method
A cross-sectional design was used involving 261 mothers with infants of 6 to 9 months selected systematically with an interval two as they came to the health facilities. The data were collected using structured questionnaire. The factors independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 87.1%. Married mothers (AOR= 3.15; 95%CI = 1.07 – 9.28), protestant mothers (AOR= 0.15; 95%CI = 0.03 – 0.69), attending prenatal care (AOR= 19.87; 95%CI = 3.00 – 131.68), receiving postnatal care (AOR = 3.07; 95%CI = 1.31 – 7.21) and receiving breastfeeding counseling (AOR= 3.16; 95%CI = 1.03 – 9.69) were identified as independent factors associated with exclusively breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was high but with various healthcare service associated factors. Therefore awareness and appropriate behavior change communication strategies on exclusive breastfeeding should be encouraged during prenatal and postpartum care for optimum practice.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):123-134
