Factors influencing the breastfeeding trends among mothers in Kelantan

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing the breastfeeding trends among mothers in Kelantan. A total of 100 respondents were participated in this study involving Malay mothers who breastfeed their babies and presently have children up to the age two years. A questionnaire was used in conducting this study to obtain socio-demographic characteristics, exclusive breastfeeding, dietary practices, food taboos, weaning practices and breastfeeding discontinuation. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 30.9 (5.5) years. Based on Chi-square test, resuJts showed a significant association in number of children and duration of breastfeeding (p=0.002). There were also significant associations between frequencies of feeding per day and exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.001). In the present study, intention to breastfeed more than 12 months appears to be positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.014). Although the duration of breastfeeding is shorter, an average 16 months, more than half (54%) of the breastfeeding mothers are exclusively breastfeeding for six months of infants' age.