Maternal depression and other related factors affecting exclusive breast feeding for age among breast feeding women in Assosa town, Benishangul region, West Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as feeding infants only breast milk with no addition of any liquid or solids. Evidence shows that sixty percent of under-five mortality caused by malnutrition and more than two-thirds of those are associated with inappropriate breast feeding practices during infancy. Studying additional factors beyond the common determinants, such as those which are intrinsic to the mother like mental wellbeing or depression has paramount importance which could give a better insight for promotive activities. Objective: to assess depression and other related factor that affecting exclusive breast feeding practice for among lactating mothers in Assosa town. Method: community based cross-sectional study was conducted from much 1 to April ,1 2019 Assosa town, west Ethiopia. A total of 484 mothers were recruited by a multi-stage simple random sampling technique was applied. Data were collected through socio demographic, socio cultural, place of delivery, maternal depression which were assess by scale by BDI. . Bivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify associated variables and multi-variable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of exclusive breast feeding. All statistical tests were considered significant at p-value<0.05. Result: The overall practices of exclusive breast-feeding were 58.2%. Women’s who had not Depression were 3.9 (AOR95%CI (2.5,6.1) more likely to practice exclusive breast feeding compare to those who had depression. Women’s who delivered at health facility were 4.1 (AOR95%CI(2.6,5.3) times more likely to practice exclusive breast feeding compare to those who delivered at home. Women’s who had 3 and above children were 3.08(AOR95%CI(2.1,5.3) times more likely to practice exclusive breast feeding compare to those who had less than 3 children. Conclusion and recommendation: The study indicated higher level of suboptimal prevalence of exclusive breast feeding, which is further predicted by maternal depression, place of delivery and parity. Collaborative efforts have to be exerted at different levels, relevant stake holders, health providers together and the community.