Abstract:
Background: WHO and UNICEF (1990) have recommended EBF for six months, followed by
introduction of complementary foods at the age of six months with continued breastfeeding for
the first 24 months or more. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of life reduces
infant morbidity and mortality. Acording to Ethiopian, DHS only 58% of children were exclusively
breastfed during the first 6 months of age.
Objective: The study aimed to identify time to early cessation of EBF and associated factors among 6-
12 months old children in Lanfuro Woreda, Silte Zone.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Lanfuro Woreda, Silte
Zone, from March to April 2017. A total of 636 mothers with 6-12 months old infants from ten
randomly selected kebeles were included. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection
methods were employed. The Kaplan-Meier curve with log rank test was used to compare the
survival difference by the selected covariates. Both bivariate (P<0.25) and multivariable
(P<0.05) Cox Proportional Hazards model was fitted to identify factors predicting time to early
cessation of EBF.
Results: The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 6.22 months. The highest
proportion of cessation of exclusive breast feeding occurred during the first four to five months.
Early cessation of exclusive breast-feeding was observed in 295 (47.97%). Place of residence
(AHR: 1.6; 95% CI = 1.14-2.20), knowledge on EBF (AHR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.02-1.68), type of
delivery (AHR: 2.41; 95% CI = 2.24-3.68), pre-lacteal feeding (AHR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.32-2.36)
and household food insecurity (AHR = 5.02; 95% CI = 3.89-6.50) were significant independent
factors which were associated with time to early cessation of exclusive breast-feeding.
Conclusion and Recommendation: There are still sizable proportions of children not enjoying
exclusive breastfeeding for the first fully six months. Being urban resident and coming from food
insecure households, giving birth by CS, having low knowledge on EBF and giving pre-lacteal
feeding were factors associated with time to early cessation of EBF. Action should be taken for
respective pridictors of time to early cessation of EBF.
