Factors Related to the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Different Cities of the States Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the factors related to the time of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in infants from Pará de Minas and Três Corações (Minas Gerais) and Brumado (Bahia), Brazil. Material and Methods: All mothers attended in public and private hospitals of these cities between June and December 2012 (n=156) were invited to answer an interview related to EBF. Data were collected (1) at maternity ward; (2) at 4 and (3) 6 months of the infant's life. In (2) and (3), data were collected by phone. Data were recorded in the SPSS software, and descriptive analyses and association of exposure and outcome variables related to the practice of EBF were performed. The chi-square test was used, considering p <0.05. Results: The total of women was in (1) 156, (2) 104 and (3) 123, and the EBF rate was 50.0%, 39.0% and 4.8%, respectively. In (1) mothers with lower schooling level have opted for EBF more frequently. In (1), the use of bottle did not interfere in EBF; on the other hand, in (2) and (3), the use of bottle has decreased the frequency of EBF (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The ideal frequency of EBF recommended by WHO to the six months of the infant's life is not followed in the evaluated cities. In addition, EBF can be influenced by the use of bottle and maternal schooling level.