Prevalence and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Working Mothers of Infants Aged 6 to 12 months: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Kathmandu, Nepal

Authors

  • Rojina Basnet Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Rajesh Karki Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Roshani Poudel Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70280/njph(2024)v1i1.19

Keywords:

Exclusive breastfeeding, working mother, Nepal, maternity leave

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding, a vital infant feeding practice, may be influenced by workplace factors and women’s labor force participation. This study aims to identify the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices and associated factors among working mothers with infants aged 6 to 12 months.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study took place from February 2016 to April 2016, involving 250 working mothers at Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu. Mothers were purposively selected and underwent face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation, presented study findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant factors associated with exclusive feeding (p < 0.05).

Results: In the total sample, the majority of mothers (49.0%) were aged 30-35 years, with a mean age of 29.93 (± 2.79) years. Approximately one-third (33.0%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding, and the majority (52.0%) were employed in academic sectors. While all mothers had access to maternity leave, only 1.6% took a 6-month leave. More than half of the mothers (56%) exhibited poor knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, and 76% expressed a positive attitude towards workplace breastfeeding. Factors associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding included good knowledge, longer maternity leave, a complete history of postnatal checkups, and the availability of breastfeeding facilities in the workplace.

Conclusion: Our data indicate a low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. We recommend the effective implementation of government policies regarding maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities in the workplace. This includes advocating for exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring that both public and private organizations comply with maternity leave provisions, providing adequate breastfeeding facilities at workplaces, and enhancing awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the health of both mother and child.

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Published

2024-08-26

How to Cite

Basnet, R., Karki, R., & Poudel, R. (2024). Prevalence and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Working Mothers of Infants Aged 6 to 12 months: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal Journal of Public Health, 1(1), 37–43. https://doi.org/10.70280/njph(2024)v1i1.19

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): Nepal Journal of Public Health

Section

Original Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Rojina, Rajesh Karki, Roshani Poudel

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