FACTORS CAUSING EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING FAILURE IN A PAKISTANI URBAN POPULATION

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors responsible for termination of exclusive breast feeding in our population. Location and Duration: A cross sectional study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Quetta, from February 2010 to June 2010.                                                                          Study design: Cross-sectional study. Sample Size: A total of 620 mothers carrying healthy infants were interviewed. Inclusion Criteria: Mothers who failed to exclusively breast feed their infants within first six months of life and started supplemental feeds. Data Collection Procedure: A semi-structured, preformed questionnaire was filled containing information about mother’s age, infant’s sex and reasons for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Data Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18.                                                                                                                                                             Results: Mean maternal age was 25.87 years. Early failure was seen in 41.9% and late failure in 58.1% infants. Difficulties in initiating and establishing breast feeding (84%), knowledge deficit about breast feeding benefits (78.8%) and milk insufficiency (69.2%) were the main reasons for “early failure”. Deficient knowledge about exclusive breast feeding which included its WHO definition of six months and its benefits (88.9%) was the most common reason of addition of weaning diets after 4 months of age. Other significant factors found for failure were working mothers (21.3%), premature delivery (13.5%), early second pregnancy (16.1%), and perception of poor weight gain by infant while exclusively breast fed (19.4%). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding ensures the best possible health of an infant. Dedicated efforts are required at national level for dissemination and promotion of knowledge about exclusive breast feeding.