Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding in the State of Kuwait
Abstract Aim: To determine the factors influencing breastfeeding continuation for the first six months of a baby's life.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted by the research team via an interview-based questionnaire and interviewer at Al-Sabah Maternity Hospital. A total of 316 Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti subjects participated in this study. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the factors influencing breastfeeding.Results: A total of 196 (62%) of the mothers practiced any feeding, including formula and/or breast milk, only 12.3% of the mothers exclusively breastfed their babies for the first six months of life. Highly educated mothers were less likely to breastfeed than less educated mothers (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05-0.45). Not using pacifiers was positively associated with breastfeeding (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.32-3.51). More than a third of the mothers reported stopping breastfeeding due to lack of lactation places in public and workplaces (50%) and insufficient milk production to support infant growth (32%).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment in workplaces and public areas to encourage mothers to breastfeed. Interventions for enhancing knowledge and promoting breastfeeding are advised, focusing on factors associated with early cessation.