Exclusive breastfeeding and factors affecting knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers in rural and urban regions of east Azerbaijan, Iran

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Although exclusive breastfeeding rates have been increasing in most developing countries over the past 10 to 15 years, UNICEF's statistics show the necessity to educate mothers and increase knowledge and attitude about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months to help mothers practice breastfeeding. Therefore, the present study was done to determine the prevalence of BFD (Breastfeeding duration) and EBFD (Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration) and identifying the main factors associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding, and knowledge and attitude of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding in East Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods and Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2011 through March 2011, with data from 750 mothers who were selected through multistage sampling method and cluster sampling with non-equal clusters pattern. Data was collected using a questionnaire containing demographic information, socioeconomic status of the household (SES), childbirth information, pregnancy and delivery complications likely to influence breastfeeding as well as the knowledge and attitude towards EBFD. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 16 through the application of statistical tests using t-test, chi-square and regression analysis in Univariate and multivariate methods. Results: The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.3آ±1.2 months; also, the mean duration of any breastfeeding was 20.3آ±3.68 months. There was higher levels of awareness of the concept of positive feedback of lactation amongst mothers in the urban region as compared to the rural area (p=<0.001). Conclusion: Breastfeeding situation in this province was good. However, exclusive breastfeeding prevalence had shown a downward trend at four and six months; and the results were far away from to the WHO recommendations.