Breastfeeding Duration and Its Effective Factors in Mothers with Children Aged 30-36 Months in Kerman in 2020
Abstract Introduction: Complete cessation of breastfeeding (CCB) at the right time is as important as starting breastfeeding, as well as identifying the factors that affect the duration of breastfeeding, so that breastfeeding promotion programs focus on these causes, to increase mothers' ability and desire to breastfeed. This study aimed to determine the time of CCB and its related factors.Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional type. A total of 802 urban and rural mothers with children aged from 30 to 36 months completed the questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by Cronbach's alpha of 85%. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.Results: The mean time of breastfeeding was 19.23±7.09 and the median was 22-month-year. About 41% of children were breastfed until 24-month-year. There was a significant relationship between the time of cessation of breastfeeding with contraception, number of households, place of residence, and weight at 6-month-year at the level of 0.05.Conclusion: Duration of breastfeeding is influenced by some demographic and cultural factors. The timing of the CCB differs from the suggestions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and religious teachings. Useful interventions are needed to increase the duration of breastfeeding.