Determination of factors affecting the exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months among mothers with children aged 0-2 years

This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months among mothers with children aged 0-2 years. 258 mothers with children aged 0-2 years who presented to Ankara Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Polyclinic constituted sample of the study. A data collection form developed in line with the relevant literature was used as a data collection tool. The data collection form consists of four sections. Percentage, mean, standard deviation were used for data analysis, Mann-Whitney U test for two-group comparisons, Pearson's correlation analysis for three-group and multiple group comparisons, and Kruskall-Wallis test or chi-square test of independence for relationships between variables. Statistical significance value was accepted as p<0.05. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is 54.3% in the study. However, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was found statistically significant (p <0.05) with regard to the mothers smoking, infant's birth weight, infant's first food, first breastfeeding time, use of pacifier and bottle, formula feeding at the hospital after delivery, attitude of the spouse and inner circle towards the breastfeeding. A significant association was observed between the delivery method, gestational week and breastfeeding time of the mothers (p < 0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was found non-statistically significant (p > 0.05) with regard to the level of education, working status, socio-demographic characteristics, delivery method, gestational week, breastfeeding experience, problems in breastfeeding among the mothers participated in the study. Consequently, it can be stated that there are many factors affecting the exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and the nursing/midwifery approach should therefore involve appropriate support and training. Key Words: Exclusive breast milk, breastfeeding, affecting factors