Abstract:
Introduction
Despite its proven benefit in reducing child mortality and morbidity, the coverage of exclusive
breastfeeding (EBF) remains sub-optimal. In Ethiopia, about 52% of infants under six
months of age were exclusively breastfed, implying the need for further identification of the
barriers to optimal EBF practice. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate EBF and its
determinants in the predominantly rural northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
The study was conducted at the Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System
(HDSS) site, which is located in Dabat District, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 5,227 mothers
with children under five years of age were included for analysis. Multivariable binary logistic
regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with EBF. The Adjusted
Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength
of association. A P-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Results
About 54.5% [95% CI: 51.9, 57.1] of the mothers practiced EBF. Mothers' education [AOR =
2.10; 95% CI: 1.63, 2.71], age (20±35 years) [AOR = 1.39; CI: 1.07, 1.80], urban residence
[AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.54], at least one ANC visit [AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.23,1.61],
initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth [AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.15,1.50], richer
