Maternal and Child-related Factors influencing Breastfeeding Practices among Children 0 to 24 months in Bushenyi district, Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the factors influencing breastfeeding practices among children aged 0-24 months in Bushenyi district, Uganda. The study involved 346 lactating mothers from three hospitals in the district. A structured interview was used to gather data. The study found that age, maternal education, and knowledge of breastfeeding practices were significantly associated with breastfeeding practices. The majority of respondentsinitiated breastfeeding with their children within 1 hour, with 71.4% of respondents still practicing early breastfeeding (EBF) with their children below 6 months. Only 31.9% of respondents of children above 6 months reported practicing EBF with their children, while 68.1% did not. The majority of mothers breastfed their children for at least 2 years, but overall breastfeeding practice was poor, with only 41.3% having good practices. Most children were between 1-2 months old, with most being female and weighing 2.5-3.0kg at birth. The study found that only 31.9% of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants. The study suggests that obstetric and neonatal medical services should be improved to help children initiate breastfeeding early, preventing missed colostrum and nutrient deficiencies. Keywords: Children 0-24 months, Breastfeeding Practices, Mothers, Child deaths, Breast mi