To determine the survival, prevalence and associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices in South India

Context: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) provides protection to the child from risk of obesity, overweight, type II diabetes and helps in enhancing brain development, learning capabilities and also reduces gastrointestinal infections. Breast problems, societal barriers, insufficient support, poor knowledge, mode of delivery and community beliefs are associated.

Aim: To determine the survival and prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding practice and their associated factors.

Settings and design: An ambispective community-based observational study was conducted.

Materials and methods: A sample of 441 mothers was estimated with a prevalence of EBF of 54.9% based on the National Family Health Survey 2015-16.

Study procedure: The selected mothers with an infant less than one year of age and those with infants less than six months were interviewed retrospectively and prospectively and information on the duration of EBF, demography and factors associated were collected.

Statistical analysis used: The data were analysed using IBM SPSS, version 22. The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to determine the associated factors for EBF. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: EBF survival rate was good till three months and decreased drastically after five months. EBF practice in the present study was 69.4%. Birth order, maternal age, birth weight, paternal education and religion were significantly associated with EBF.

Conclusion: Primary health care providers in the community should also consider the cultural factors and educate the mothers on the practice of EBF to reduce morbidity and mortality and promote better health for a healthy, strong, younger population.