Factors Contributing To Inadequate Exclusive Breast Feeding Of Children Aged 0-6 Months

Adequate nutrition at early childhood is essential to ensure healthy growth and development of children, Breast feeding offer health benefits to mother and child when exclusively breast fed. Children aged less than 5 years are dying due to inadequate exclusive breast feeding practices. The objective of this study is to assess factors contributing to inadequate exclusive breast feeding to infant aged 0-6 months in Tanzania. 

Quantitative descriptive cross-section study design used, 284 nursing mothers admitted at MNH with their children aged 6- 60 months. Structured self administered were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were generated; Pearson Chi square and regression tests were employed to analyze the associations among the variables. Majority of the respondents, mean age was 29.8 (±SD 6.1) years. Over half (57.7%) of mothers did not practice exclusive breastfeeding. Pearson Chi-square suggested (education level of the mother (p=0.021), meals per day during breastfeeding (p=0.004) and influence from parents on mother’s breastfeeding practices) were significant associated with mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.000). 

Multivariate regressions indicated, number of meals per day was more powerful for predicting mothers practicing exclusive breast feeding. Inadequate exclusive breast feeding practices could be attributed to Social- demographic factors (Inadequate meal intakes, family member influence and education level are attribute to inadequate exclusive breast feeding practices. It is recommended to empower skills and knowledge to health care providers who are at peripheral health care services dealing direct with nursing mothers who are on breast feeding practices.