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Published Quarterly
Mangalore, South India
ISSN 0972-5997
Volume 8, Issue 1 ; Jan-Mar 2009
Original Article
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants in first 6 months of life: A
prospective study
Authors
Rajesh K Chudasama,
Assistant Professor, Community Medicine Department, PDU Medical College, Rajkot,
Chikitsa D Amin,
Assistant Professor, Community Medicine Department, PDU Medical College, Rajkot,
Yogesh N Parikh,
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, PDU Medical College, Rajkot
Address For Correspondence
Dr. Rajesh K Chudasama,
"Shreeji Krupa",
Meera Nagar-5, Raiya Road,
Rajkot - 360 007,
Gujarat, India
E-mail: [email protected]
Citation
Chudasama RK, Amin CD, Parikh YN. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants in first 6
months of life: A prospective study. Online J Health Allied Scs. 2009;8(1):3
URL
http://www.ojhas.org/issue29/2009-1-3.htm
Submitted: Feb 12, 2009; Accepted: Apr 14, 2009; Published: May 5, 2009
Abstract:
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of life is recommended under Infant and Young Child Feeding
practices in India. The objective of present study was to estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding during first 6
months of life of babies and to identify factors that interfere with the practice in the study area. Methods: A prospective
cohort of 462 women who delivered at maternity unit of Government Medical College & Hospital, Rajkot, which is a tertiary
care centre for the district, was studied. Data collection was done at hospital as well as during home visits of babies at 1, 3
and 6 months. Factors related to cessation of breastfeeding were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate
analysis. Results: All 462 mothers reported breastfeeding their newborns. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding reported at
3 months was 97% which declined to 62% by 6 months of age of infants. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant association
between interruption of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months of age and various demographic, socioeconomic, maternal
and infant characteristics. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression demonstrated no association between discontinuation
of exclusive breastfeeding and socioeconomic status, maternal education and maternal age, number of antenatal visits,
maternal employment and initiation of breastfeeding after delivery. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence rate
found higher than at national level indicating better feeding practices in these part of India. Also, factors classically
considered as supportive for breastfeeding had shown no association with breastfeeding pattern in present study.
Key Words: Exclusive breastfeeding, prevalence, prospective study, maternal & child health services
OJHAS Vol 8 Issue 1(3) Chudasama RK, Amin CD, Parikh YN. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants in first 6 months of life
http://ojhas.org