The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its associated factors in Cape Verde

Abstract

Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life is essential for maternal and child health. Breast milk is considered the most suitable food for the child in early years of life. Studies carried out in Cape Verde (INE; MSSS, Apresentação dos Principais Resultados Preliminares do IDSR-III, 2018) showed prevalence of EBF below the values recommended by the (WHO & UNICEF, Global Breastfeeding Scorecard, 2018. Enabling Women To Breastfeed Through Better Policies And Programmes, 2019). However, the determinants of EBF across the country have never been identified. The objective of this study is to estimate prevalence and identify the determinants of EBF in Cape Verde. Methods This is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out between July 2018 and March 2019. The study population consisted of 1717 mothers of children aged less than or equal to 2 years, users of the Health Centers of the islands of Santo Antão, S. Vicente, Sal, Santiago and Fogo. A structured questionnaire was applied to mothers through an interview. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was estimated by frequency analysis. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between the duration of EB and the variables maternity leave, mother’s education, family income and health care variables. In order to identify the determinants of EBF, a binary logistic regression analysis was used. Results At the time of data collection, 32.50% of mothers practiced EBF. The present study shows that exclusive breastfeeding is influenced by several factors. The most representatives are maternal age (OR = 0.001*), level of education (OR = 0.028*), parity (OR = 0.004*) and number of prenatal consultations (OR = 0.019*). Receiving breastfeeding counseling was the only health care variable that was associated with the duration of EBF (p = 0.029). Conclusion In Cape Verde, the prevalence of EBF can be considered reasonable. The present study shows that EBF in the country is influenced by maternal age, level of education, parity and number of prenatal consultations.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding of children under six months of age in Cote d’Ivoire

“…In this study, variables such as residence, religion, maternal age, spousal cohabitation, parity, and child desirability had no statistically significant relationship with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Compared with other studies, rural [ 31 ], have more than two children [ 28 ] and be over 25 years old [ 31 , 36 ] were positive factors in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.…”

“…However, for some authors, mother’s education level would have a positive influence on the timely initiation of exclusive breastfeeding, its duration and the avoidance of prelacteal feeding [ 33 , 34 ]. Also, some relatively recent studies [ 28 – 30 , 35 ] are favorable to the idea that educated mothers are more likely to have better access to and use of information than mothers with low levels of education.…”

Breastfeeding interventions and programmes conducted in Portuguese‐speaking sovereign states: A scoping review

“…With an estimated six‐month exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50%, Brazil has been acknowledged as an example of how political efforts, combined with community programmes, can support breastfeeding and improve national rates 9,17,18 . These political and policy efforts are critical and must be combined with cultural understandings because other Portuguese‐speaking countries experience lower breastfeeding rates, that is, 41% in Mozambique, 37% in Angola and 41% in Cape Verde 17,19–21 . These differences among countries sharing strong cultural and language ties merit follow‐up investigations into the impact of national and local policies and interventions, especially those strategies that successfully promote and support breastfeeding practices.…”

The Unfavoring Factors for Exclusive Breastfeeding in The Albert Bartel Health Area, Karisimbi Health Zone, Goma; Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…The highest rates were found in Rwanda (86.9%), Burundi (82.3%), Sri Lanka (82%), Solomon Islands (76.2%) and Vanuatu (72.6%)." (Duarte Lopes et al, 2022) The Democratic Republic of Congo is not spared from this situation. The Unicef DRC announcement of 17 August 2020 reports that "Five out of 10 infants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) receive liquids and foods in addition to breast milk during their first six months of life, which contributes to child malnutrition, illness and even death.…”