Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Talangai Health District, Congo: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Abstract

Objectives The objective of the study is to assess mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the aim of improving the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Study design An analytical knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) study about EBF on mothers of children aged 0-6 months was conducted. Methods Using SCHWARTZ formula, 362 mothers were included. The practice of EBF was determined based on a 24-h recall. The main variables studied were the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, their knowledge, attitudes and practices on EBF based on WHO recommendations A logistic regression analysis was performed and the odds ratio were calculated with 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of EBF among infants 0–6 months old was 33.9%. Mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices were unsatisfactory (78.4%), favourable (79.5%) and bad (67.2%) respectively. Factors associated with satisfactory knowledge were being a public official [OR: 3.18 (1.39-7.28)] and or multiparous, [OR: 2.25 (1.23-4.11)]. Mothers who had a satisfactory knowledge had a higher rating of having good practices on EBF. Conclusions Factors related to good knowledge among mothers are multiparity, age and being a civil servant. Promoters’EBF must target mothers in all sectors of activity and even in the community by sensitizing them on the subject.

Community Based Study of Awareness of Breastfeeding Amongst Rural Tribal Women, Preconception and During Pregnancy.

“…Garg et al[14] reported that the majority of mothers knew about EBF and had a positive attitude towards EBF but did not know the recommended duration or maternal and neonatal benefits of breast feeding. Woromogo et al[15] reported that factors related to good knowledge among mothers were multiparity, age and being a civilservant. Promoters of EBF must target mothers in all sectors of activity and even in the community by Volume 2 (1): 2020 sensitizing them on the subject.…”