Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS)From 2010 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal

Abstract

Introduction The first two years of a child's life are particularly important because optimal nutrition during this period will reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the efforts of the Government and its partners, this situation has remained almost stationary for the last 10 years according to the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data between 2010 and 2019. Thus, the objective of our study is to assess the evolution of exclusive breastfeeding practices (EBP) in the first six months of life from 2005 to 2020 and the associated factors. Methodology This is a quantitative cross-sectional study using data from the Senegalese Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2010 to 2019. The study covered the entire population of Senegal, particularly men, women aged 14–49 years, and children under five years. The DHS data used are available from the DHS Program STAT compiler database, (The DHS Program STATcompiler. Funded by USAID. http://www.statcompiler.com.). A secondary analysis of the 2017 Senegal Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data was done to identify key predictors of AME and the practice of giving water in addition to breast milk were done. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.1 software. Results The rate of AME was 47.2% among infants who received MSP versus 39.1% among those who did not (P = 0.007). Mothers who reported receiving breastfeeding counseling two days after delivery were 40% more likely to breastfeed exclusively up to six months than those who did not. (P = 0,003). Mothers who belong to the Wolof, Serer, and Soninke ethnic groups are 42% more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than mothers who belong to the Poular, Mandingue, and Diola ethnic groups (P = 0.0025). Adolescent mothers are more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than older mothers. Adolescent mothers were 2.7 times more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than were mothers aged 35–48 years (P < 0.001). Mothers who received postpartum breastfeeding counseling were 30% less likely to give water to infants younger than 6 months of age than mothers who did not receive breastfeeding counseling (P < 0.001). Discussion The results of this study will therefore be used to guide infant feeding awareness strategies for young women (mothers-to-be) to adhere to and continue exclusive breastfeeding up to six months as recommended by the World Health Organization.