Main Article Content
Abstract
PURPOSE
Despite the well-known benefits of exclusive breastfeeding in sustaining infant well-being, breastfeeding rates still remain low in manycountries.We aimed at investigating the practice and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life in Cameroonian women.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study,we interviewed a consecutive sample of 310 mothersat the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstretic and Pediatric. The study was conducted from 1st September 2011 to 29th February 2012. Variables related to the practice of breastfeeding within the first 6months of life were assessed. Odds ratio was used to determine the predictive variables of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
RESULTS
The reported rates of exclusive breastfeeding were 84.8% at birth and 23.5% at six months. Medical advice (49.3%) and concern for the child’s health (42.5%) were the two main reasons for practicing exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of life; while resumption of studies or work (38.4%) and the belief that the newborn was not ‘satisfied’ (34.2%) were the main reasons for introducing other foods. Most children (84.5%) did not receive any foods before the first breastfeed. Breast milk substitutes were given to 70.5% of the babies. Most women (87.1%) breastfed on demand, and breast pain was the main difficulty in 60.5% of the mothers. Being a housewife was positively associated with exclusive breast-feeding (OR:2.18, 95% CI: [1.25-3.81], P= 0.005).
CONCLUSION
Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months remains low in this setting. Sensitization and education of mothers during prenatal visits and routine consultations should be reinforced.Keywords
Article Details
References
- OMS / UNICEF. Stratégie mondiale pour l’alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant, 2003. ISBN 92 4 156221 8 (NLM classification: WS 120).
- WHO/UNICEF. Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices: Part 1. Definitions Conclusions of a consensus meeting held 6–8 November 2007in Washington, DC, USA.
- UNICEF. Nutrition: protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Available at:www.unicef.org/Nutrition/protecting_promotingand_supporting breastfeeeding.htm (Accessed 25/08/2011).
- Bibliothèque de Santé Génésique de l’OMS (BSG). Durée optimal de l’allaitement maternel exclusive. Available at: http://apps.who.int/rhl/ pregnancy_childbirth/ care_after_childbirth/yscom/fr/ (Accessed 25/08/2011).
- Institut National de Statistique (INS) et ICF Macro. Enquête Démographique et de Santé et à Indicateurs multiples du Cameroun EDS-MICS 2011 : Rapport préliminaire. Calverton, Maryland, USA: INS et ICF Macro.
- Sheard N, Allan W. The role of breast milk in development of gastrointestinal tract. Nutr Rev. 1988; 46: 1-8.
- Saarimen UM, Kajosaari M. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: a prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet. 1995; 346: 1065-9.
- Hening MJ, Nommsen LA, Person JM, Lonnerdal B, Dewev K. Intake and growth of breastfed and formular fed infants in relation to the timing of introduction of complementary foods:
References
OMS / UNICEF. Stratégie mondiale pour l’alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant, 2003. ISBN 92 4 156221 8 (NLM classification: WS 120).
WHO/UNICEF. Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices: Part 1. Definitions Conclusions of a consensus meeting held 6–8 November 2007in Washington, DC, USA.
UNICEF. Nutrition: protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Available at:www.unicef.org/Nutrition/protecting_promotingand_supporting breastfeeeding.htm (Accessed 25/08/2011).
Bibliothèque de Santé Génésique de l’OMS (BSG). Durée optimal de l’allaitement maternel exclusive. Available at: http://apps.who.int/rhl/ pregnancy_childbirth/ care_after_childbirth/yscom/fr/ (Accessed 25/08/2011).
Institut National de Statistique (INS) et ICF Macro. Enquête Démographique et de Santé et à Indicateurs multiples du Cameroun EDS-MICS 2011 : Rapport préliminaire. Calverton, Maryland, USA: INS et ICF Macro.
Sheard N, Allan W. The role of breast milk in development of gastrointestinal tract. Nutr Rev. 1988; 46: 1-8.
Saarimen UM, Kajosaari M. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: a prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet. 1995; 346: 1065-9.
Hening MJ, Nommsen LA, Person JM, Lonnerdal B, Dewev K. Intake and growth of breastfed and formular fed infants in relation to the timing of introduction of complementary foods: