Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt.
2
Family planning registrar, Giza, Egypt
3
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy
growth and development of infants; it also affects the reproductive process, with important
implications for maternal health. The global public health recommendation is that infants
should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, starting in the first half hour
after delivery. There are various factors that affect the decision regarding the initiation and
duration of exclusive breastfeeding, including socio-demographic factors (education level,
monthly household income, and parity), residence and cultural beliefs, employment policies,
health-related factors, and biosocial factors (breastfeeding support). In Egypt, the Egypt
Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS, 2014) shows that exclusive breastfeeding is
common but not universal in very early infancy. Among infants under two months of age,
71% received only breast milk. However, the proportion exclusively breastfed drops off
rapidly among older infants. Aim of the study: To assess the practice and perception level of
breastfeeding among women attending the Primary Health Care Center in Giza, Egypt.
Research methodology: This study is cross-sectional study among women had at least one
child aged 2 years or younger, included 380 participants, recruited from Primary health care
center in Giza. Face to face interview questionnaire was used in data collection.
Results: The practice level of breastfeeding was significantly affected by women’ age,
residence, work status and socio-economic level. Women with higher breastfeeding
perception score had higher odds for good practice (AOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.3).
Conclusion: The study findings revealed effect of work on practice level of breastfeeding,
and it was that poor practice level was found more likely among women with longer working
hours and women who were taking longer time to reach work. Recommendations: Early
initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of infant life, the infant only receives breast
milk, breastfeeding on demand – often as the child wants, day and night and no use of teats,
bottles, or pacifier
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