Predictors of breastfeeding practice, evidence from mothers of children less than two years of age in southern Ethiopia

Background: The World Health Organization recognizes that continuous and on-demand breast feeding until two years of age and beyond is essential for health, growth and development of young children, and protection against infectious diseases. In Ethiopia, breastfeeding is promoted by providing information on benefits during ante-natal care and by supporting mothers during post-natal visits. Objective: To assess the current breast feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children less than two years of age in Areka town, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 randomly selected mother-child pairs living in Sothern, Ethiopia, Areka town community. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal characteristics and assess breast feeding practice. Descriptive summaries were done to present pertinent findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to establish statistical associations between dependent and independent variables with p <0.05. Results: From the total of 274 mother- child pairs participated in the study,132 (48.2%) have good breast feeding practice of breast feeding and 142(51.2%) mothers have poor practice of breast feeding. Mothers of age less than 35 practiced appropriate breastfeeding were less likely than mothers with age greater than 35 years. Like wise mothers who are none governmental employed have good breast feeding practice compared to government employees. Conclusion: The finding in the study showed that magnitude of good breast feeding practice in the study area is lower than the national level. In this study maternal age and maternal occupation have been found to be predictors of breast feeding practice.