Prevalence and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending Spin Boldak District Hospital, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i10.16376Published:
2026-10-18Downloads
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a key child survival intervention, yet its practice remains suboptimal in Afghanistan. This study estimated the proportion of mothers reporting EBF and examined associated factors among mothers attending Spin Boldak District Hospital, Kandahar Province. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 mothers of children younger than 24 months, selected by systematic sampling (every third eligible mother). EBF (only breast milk, with no other liquids or solids except medications) was assessed by maternal recall using a structured question that asked, "Did you feed your child only breast milk, without giving any other liquids or solid foods, from birth until the age of six months, except for medicines, vitamins, or oral rehydration solution?" with a recall period from birth to six months of infant age. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (P < 0.05). Of the 514 mothers, 263 (51.2%) reported EBF; this is a hospital-based, recall-based proportion and not a population prevalence. Breastfeeding frequency of eight or more times per day (AOR = 15.50; 95% CI: 5.86–40.99) and infant age of four months or above (AOR = 13.88; 95% CI: 6.10–31.62) had the largest adjusted odds ratios, although the confidence intervals were wide. Maternal age, place of residence, infant sex, media exposure to breastfeeding information, infant weighing, maternal water intake during breastfeeding, and use of sedation syrup were also associated with EBF in the adjusted model. The associations with infant age and feeding frequency should be interpreted cautiously because of recall bias and possible reverse causation; all findings are associations and do not show causation. Perceived insufficient milk was the most frequent reason for not practicing EBF. Breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal care is a potential intervention that needs evaluation in prospective studies.
Keywords:
Afghanistan Associated factors Cross-sectional study Exclusive breastfeeding Infant feedingReferences
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