Prevalence and determinants of continued breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 12-23 months in Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is important for assuring proper infant nutrition, growth, and development. Breastfeeding beyond one year is of great benefit to both the child and the mother. Despite the known benefits, relatively few mothers breastfeed their children beyond one year. The study sought to investigate the prevalence and determinants of Continued Breastfeeding among mothers with children aged 12-23 months in Kawempe division, Kampala District. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A sample size of 378 participants was randomly selected and interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer questionnaire. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14. In univariate analysis, data was presented in percentages and frequencies and graphs to describe the characteristics of respondents. The chi-square test was done to get the crude association between dependent and independent variables. The strength of association was presented as prevalence ratio (PR). Variables showing statistical significance (p<0.2) at bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable Poisson regression to control for possible confounding. Results were reported as adjusted prevalence ratio (APR). A P-value of 0.05 at a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was used. Results: The prevalence of CBF in this study was 55.4%. Mothers with children 20-23 months were 2.54 times less likely to continue breastfeeding than children 12-15 months [APR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.22 - 5.32, p-value 0.013]. Mothers who took their children to work were 2.32 times more likely to continue breastfeeding than those who left their children cared for by another person [APR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.02 – 5.3224, p-value 0.044]. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of CBF (12-23months) was similar to the national prevalence. Age of the child and the mother taking the child to work were associated with CBF. This study suggests strengthening of community-based peer-counselling to allow mothers continue getting support after breastfeeding is established. Work places should also set up baby friendly centres at workplaces to allow mother who return to work to continue breastfeeding.