Abstract:
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during infancy is fundamental, however it is not fully practiced in the
nomadic population of Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, there is still a lack of information on the implementation of the EBF,
especially among the nomadic population. This study was conducted to assess the EBF status of children during
their first 6 months of life, who are now aged between 6 and 24 months, in the nomadic population of Afar region.
The study also aimed to identify factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2015 to assess EBF of children
aged between 6 and 24 months during the first 6 months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as consuming only
breast milk (including expressed breast milk) during the first 6 months and no other liquids and solid foods except
medications, and non exclusive breastfeeding is taking liquids and solid foods in addition to breast milk. The cluster
sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected from 254 households using a
structured questionnaire.
Results: One hundred eighty eight of the children were fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months of age; the
rate of EBF in the study area was 74% (95% CI 70, 78%). One hundred fifty four (60.6%) of the children received breast
milk within 1 h immediately after birth and 207 (81.5%) of the children maintained breastfeeding at the time of the
survey. Exclusive breastfeeding was statistically associated with mothers aged above 35 years (AOR 8.3, 95% CI 1.7, 40.3)
, commencing to breastfeed in first hour (AOR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8, 6.9), and parents who didn’t migrate or move to a more
comfortable area (AOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5, 14.4).
