Determinants of breastfeeding practices in Myanmar: Results from the latest nationally representative survey

Abstract

Optimal breastfeeding practices can ensure healthy growth and development of infants, which in the long term can impact the country's economic development. Nevertheless, Myanmar has yet to achieve the WHO's target of 70% for early initiation of breastfeeding, and the country's target of 90% for exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding and bio-demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors in Myanmar. Using the 2015-2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, the analysis of early initiation of breastfeeding was based on a sample of 1,506 under-2 children and the analysis of exclusive breastfeeding was based on a sample of 376 children aged 0-5 months. Multiple logistic modeling, with heteroskedasticityadjusted standard errors, was used. The prevalence rates of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the study were 67.9% and 52.2% respectively. Having a vaginal delivery (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.7-3.7) and having frequent (� 4) antenatal visits (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5-3.8) were associated with higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding. Having a postnatal checkup (AOR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.9) and having an infant that was perceived to be small at birth (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1-5.7, for infants perceived to be large at birth) were significantly associated with decreased odds of exclusive breastfeeding. In order to promote optimal breastfeeding practices, this study suggested that delivery and quality of health services during pregnancy need to be strengthened in Myanmar.

Determinants of Optimal Breastfeeding Practices in Indonesia: Findings From the 2017 Indonesia Demographic Health Survey

“…In line with previous studies, infants perceived as small were less likely to receive EIBF [ 12 , 15 , 19 ]. Small birth size as perceived by the mothers may indicate that the infants had low birth weight, which was a risk factor of EIBF [ 20 ].…”

“…The present analysis showed that older children had lower odds of EBF and CBF-2. A large body of evidence has also confirmed that younger children are more likely to be exclusively breastfed than older ones [ 12 , 14 , 15 ]. A possible explanation is mothers’ perception that giving only breastmilk is insufficient as infants grow larger [ 16 ].…”

“…In Bangladesh and India, postnatal visits encouraged EIBF [ 12 , 25 ], while in Afghanistan and Pakistan, they delayed breastfeeding initiation [ 12 ]. An analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey reported that mothers who received postnatal check-ups were less likely to practice EBF [ 15 ]. In the present report, postnatal visits had no impact on either EIBF or EBF.…”

Understanding the Enablers and Barriers to Appropriate Infants and Young Child Feeding Practices in India: A Systematic Review

“…Globally, numerous studies from LMICs have shown that health service factors (including breastfeeding counselling in health facilities, ANC visits, and health facility birthing and normal vaginal births) are strongly associated with appropriate IYCF [ 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 ]. Consistent with past studies, the review showed that health service factors were associated with appropriate IYCF in India.…”

Predictive Factors of Growth Among Preterm MigrantChildren in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

“…However, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding may differ for migrant mothers depending on parenting duration after delivery, and beliefs and cultural differences. According to the survey in Myanmar, the exclusive breastfeeding rate of Myanmar women was 52.3% (Yadanar et al, 2020). Burmese mothers with healthy infants tend to breastfeed them and give the infants water and rice before 6 months of age to keep them full, hydrated, and prevent colic (Hashmi et al, 2019;Thet et al, 2016).…”