Prevalence and Factors Influencing Exclusive Breast-Feeding in Rajavithi Hospital
Phawinee Plewma BSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Nursing, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding after 2,4, and 6 months in
Rajavithi Hospital. The present study evaluated the factors associated with discontinuing breast-feeding before the first two
months of life in order to target early nursing interventions to encourage and support continued breast-feeding and increase
the exclusive breast-feeding rate.
Material and Method: From September 2010 to May 2011, mothers were interviewed prior to hospital discharge from the
maternity ward and follow-up phone calls were made after 2,4 and 6 months postpartum.
Results : The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding after 2, 4 and 6 months was 57.9% (252 out of 435), 32.0% (139 out of
435) and 4.8% (21 out of 435) respectively. At 2 months postpartum, multivariate analysis was carried out to identify whether
maternal obesity and breast-feeding intervals of more than 3 hours had a statistically significant association with cessation
of breast-feeding. The most common reason for cessation of exclusive breast-feeding by mothers was their return to work.
Conclusion : The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding at 2, 4, and 6 months was 57.9%, 32.0% and 4.8%, respectively.
Maternal obesity, and maternal breast-feeding for intervals of more than 3 hours prior to hospital discharge were risk factors
of early breast-feeding cessation at 2 months postpartum. This is an area on which we would target nursing interventions to
prevent early unintended weaning.
Keywords : Breast-feeding, Exclusive breast-feeding, Prevalence, Factors
