Effect of maternal employment on exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers of infants 6–12 months old in Wolkite town, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means providing only breast milk for infants for up to six months without the addition of solid or liquid matter. Even though EBF had great benefits for infants and mothers, the rate of EBF is so limited below the global target. In Ethiopia, the overall EBF practice is 59%. This low EBF practice had a great unexplained variation among employed and unemployed mothers. Therefore, this study aimed to compare EBF practice and associated factors among employed and unemployed mothers of infants aged 6–12 months in Wolkite town, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020. A total sample of 485 (241 employed and 244 unemployed) study subjects was involved in the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study subjects. A pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of EBF practice for the whole study participants and then for employed and unemployed mothers independently. Results The pooled prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was 63.9% [95% CI (59.8–68.2%)]. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was 54.8% [95% CI (48.5–61.4%)] and 73% [95% CI (66.8–78.7%)] among employed and unemployed mothers respectively. Three or more years of a birth interval [AOR = 4.03; 95% CI (1.80–8.99)], three or more ANC visits [AOR = 5.39; 95% CI (1.49–19.45)], and having PNC service [AOR = 4.56; 95% CI (2.0–9.4)] significantly associated to exclusive breastfeeding practice among employed mothers. No history of breastfeeding counseling during ANC visits [AOR = 0.15; 95% CI (0.06–0.41)], had history of breast disease [AOR = 0.28; 95% CI (0.08–0.99)], three or more ANC visits [AOR = 5.11; 95% CI (1.66–15.8)], and having social support [AOR = 3.05; 95% CI (1.23–7.6)] significantly associated to EBF practice among unemployed mothers. Conclusion Employment among mothers was found to discourage EBF practice. The predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice are different for employed and unemployed. Therefore Policymakers and program planners are called to come together and create a conducive environment for lactating employees, and appropriate intervention at respective predictor variables is needed to enhance EBF practice.

Comparative study of exclusive breastfeeding practice among employed mothers and housewives in Tanzania

“…The study shows a high proportion of housewives 80.9% practicing EBF than employed mothers 67.8%. The findings are almost consistent with the previous study's reported EBF of 73% for unemployed mothers and 54.8% for employed mothers [ 9 ]. Furthermore, a high proportion of EBF was observed among non-working women (75.5%) compared to working women 26.5% [ 29 ].…”

“…It has been recommended by Jiawen Chen that if the workplace is near home, work schedules are flexible and workplace policies support the breastfeeding environment, the rate of EBF is likely to increase [ 8 ]. Several studies have been previously carried out to compare EBF for employed and unemployed mothers; for instance, the EBF practice in Ethiopia was 54.8% for employed mothers and 73% for unemployed [ 9 ], while in Ghana, the EBF was 16% for employed and 84% for unemployed [ 10 ], and in Somali, the EBF was 24.8% for employed and 82.9% for unemployed mothers [ 11 ]. Studies indicate that employed mothers have poor EBF practices compared to unemployed.…”

Early Infant Feeding Practices among Women Engaged in Paid Work in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…Provide childcare [ 43 ], onsite childcare [ 112 , 117 , 119 ] where mothers can breastfeed [ 105 ] or nearby childcare [ 110 , 134 , 136 ]…”

Media Edukasi Buklet dan Pendidikan Kesehatan Berpengaruh terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap Ibu Hamil Trimester III pada ASI Eksklusif: Penelitian Kuasi Eksperimen

“…Menyusui secara eksklusif merupakan aktivitas pemberian Air Susu Ibu (ASI) tanpa asupan tambahan pada bayi umur 0-6 bulan (Zewdie et al, 2022). Peran terbesar menyusui ada pada ibu, namun akan lebih mudah menjalankannya bila seluruh pihak ikut berperan.…”