Exclusive Breast-Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Breast Feeding Mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding involves giving only breast milk to infants for the first six months, except for medications and vitamin supplements. Exclusive Breastfeeding is a key preventive health measure, contributing to a healthier and more intellectually enriched life. Despite its benefits, global breastfeeding rates are low specially in low- and middle-income countries. To close this gap, it is essential to consistently evaluate breastfeeding practices and the factors that impact them. This study aims to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its influencing factors among mothers in Addis Ababa, which is a rapidly growing urban area. Methods and materials; The study used facility-based, cross-sectional design which was conducted across ten health centers in Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa focusing on mothers of infants receiving the Penta 3 vaccination. The sample size of the study was 682. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to mothers in Amharic language by trained female nurses. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14.1 software. The calculation of prevalence was carried out by determining the proportion of mothers who reported exclusively breastfeed their infants in the 24 hours prior to the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also conducted to examine the associated factors. Result: The proportion of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants was 63.3% (95% confidence interval 60.0% -67.0%). The odds of exclusively breastfeeding their infants were higher among mothers whose husbands received education (AOR 1.704; 95% CI: 1.003-3.251), in those who received advice on exclusive breastfeeding during Antenatal care (AOR 2.764; 95% CI: 1.522-4.998), and in those who were counseled at postnatal visits (AOR 1.471; 95% CI: 1.036-2.089). Conclusion: The exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers in this study is below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding. To improve this status, stronger efforts are needed to promote exclusive breastfeeding through enhanced support and counseling during antenatal and postnatal care. This study also suggested that targeted interventions in improving husband educational status has a positive impact to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices in the study area.