A Comparative Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Associated Factors among Primiparous and Multiparous Mothers in an Urban Slum, Agartala, Tripura, Northeast India

The prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is continued to be reported low in spite of all the benefits and numerous advantages of EBF. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of EBF and its associated factors among primiparaous and multiparaous women in an urban slum, Agartala, West Tripura, Northeast India.

A community based cross sectional study was conducted in an urban slum among 200 subjects (100 primipara and 100 multipara mothers), who were selected by simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing the subjects using a predesigned, pretested, structured interview schedule. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test and Independent t-test.

The prevalence rate of EBF among primiparous and multiparous mothers were 53% and 68%, respectively [OR= 1.88 (1.060, 3.349)]. Those primiparaous mothers who went for antenatal check-up (ANC) minimum four times or more during pregnancy had 2.71 odds (1.009, 7.297) and who delivered at the health care facility had 2.43 odds (0.828, 7.168) of practice more EBF compared to those who had ANC less than 4 times and delivered at home. However, among multiparaous mothers, Muslims mothers had 2.33 odds (0.962, 5.659) of practice more EBF than Hindus.

The findings suggests that to improve the EBF rate among those who are not practicing EBF till six months of age, a special attention is needed to focus. Hence, community based awareness programme should be conducted frequently in the study area to promote EBF.