Breastfeeding and its Determinants

Abstract

Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for maternal and child health. Breast milk is considered the most appropriate food for children in the first years of life. Studies conducted in Cape Verde (1) show a prevalence of EBF below the recommended values (2). The determining factors of early weaning in the country are not known. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of EBF and identify its determinants in Cape Verde. Method This is a cross-sectional, observational, quantitative, and analytical study. The study population consisted of mothers of children aged 2 years or younger who were users of health centers on the islands of Santo Antão, S. Vicente, Sal, Santiago, and Fogo. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between the duration of EBF and the variables maternity leave, maternal education, family income, and health care. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effects of the following variables as predictors of breastfeeding: maternal age, maternal education, marital status, family income, location of residence, pregnancy planning, prenatal care, number of prenatal visits, maternity leave, birth weight, breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery, parity, and breastfeeding counseling. Results A total of 1717 mothers aged between 13 and 49 years (Md = 26 years) were interviewed. Most were single (58.9%), had a secondary education (57%), were unemployed (59.3%), and resided in Santiago (35.7%). Breast milk being the best food for the baby/a developmental aid (33%) was the most prevalent reason for breastfeeding. The most cited reasons for stopping breastfeeding or never having breastfed were work (19.8%), insufficient milk (16%), and not liking to breastfeed (9.0%). At the time of data collection, 32.50% of the mothers had breastfed, and 49.2% continued to breastfeed exclusively but without reaching the 6 months necessary for breastfeeding to be considered EBF. Conclusion The prevalence of EBF in Cape Verde can be considered moderate. Maternal age, educational level, number of prenatal visits, and parity were significantly associated with breastfeeding. There was no significant relationship of maternity leave, maternal education, and family income with EBF. Receiving breastfeeding counseling was the only health care variable that was associated with the duration of EBF (p = 0.029).