PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY CESSATION OF EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING PRACTICE AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED FROM 6-24 MONTHS IN PASTORALIST COMMUNITY OF BENATSEMAY WOREDA, SOUTH ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a globally recommended practice due to its profound benefits for infant and maternal health. However, adherence to EBF varies significantly across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Thus this study aims to access the prevalence and factors associated with early cessation of EBF in a pastoralist community. Objective: To assess the prevalence of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding and identify associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Benatsemay Woreda, Southern Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design mixed with a qualitative study was used to collect data among 633 mothers of children aged 6-24 months through pretested structured questionnaire and FGDs. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data were carried out to triangulate the findings. An odds ratio with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of the association. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding was 42.7% with a 95%CI (38.84, 46.55). This study found higher maternal education (primary: AOR=0.4, 95%CI:0.20-0.72; high school & above: AOR=0.44, 95% CI:0.2-0.91), child birth order (second: AOR=0.4,95%CI: 0.19-0.63; third: AOR=0.4,95%CI:0.19-0.69; fourth+: AOR=0.2, 95% CI:0.1-0.34), not receiving antenatal (AOR=2.0, 95% CI:1.25-3.10) and not postnatal (AOR=2.1,95%CI:1.35-3.27) care counseling on EBF, poor knowledge (AOR=5.58,95%CI:3.36-9.29),and a negative attitude towards EBF (AOR=1.7, 95%CI:1.01 2.70), no religious affiliation (AOR=6,95%CI:3.13-11.42), experiencing moderate (AOR=4,95%CI:2.0-7.69) and severe food insecurity (AOR=4.7,95%CI:2.6-8.51), and problems (AOR=1.9,95% CI:1.03-3.30 were factors associated with early cessation EBF. Conclusion and recommendation: The study revealed high prevalence of EBF cessation in the study area compared to most studies in Ethiopia and elsewhere. Efforts enhancing maternal education, strengthening EBF counseling during antenatal and postnatal care, improving community knowledge and attitudes towards EBF, providing support for breastfeeding challenges, considering the influence of cultural and traditional practices, and addressing household food insecurity were recommended.