Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Mothers Visiting Tabriz Health Centers in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is recommended for all infants. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 183 lactating mothers with infant aged 4 months referring to Tabriz health centers and health bases in July to October 2017. Sampling was done by a two-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using the infant feeding checklist, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and the Self-efficacy Scale. Independent t-test was used to determine the relationship between feeding attitude and breastfeeding self -efficacy. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding.

Mean of attitude toward breastfeeding was 55.13±5.5 (ranging 17 to 85).  Mean of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 131.8±15.5 (ranging 33 to 165). From 183 mothers who participated in the study, 72.0% reported exclusive breastfeeding. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding with feeding attitude (P = 0.005) and breastfeeding self-efficacy (P = 0.004). According to the logistic regression model, there was a statistically significant relationship between neutral breastfeeding attitude with positive attitude toward formula feeding (OR=16.6; P<0.001), vaginal delivery (OR=9.3; P<0.001), breastfeeding immediately after delivery (OR=6.8; P=0.006), personal experience of breastfeeding (OR=11; P=0.008) and refusal to breastfeed (OR=8.7; P=0.003). These variables led to increased frequency of exclusive breastfeeding.

It is recommended to promote practical management to resolve breastfeeding problems as well as encouraging women for vaginal delivery and early breastfeeding.