Factors associated with low adherence to exclusive breastfeeding in the health zone of Dibindi, city of Mbuji-Mayi, DRC (2016)

Résumé

Exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months of age differ widely from country to country. Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda are examples of countries with rates above 60% whereas Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria and West and Central African countries have rates as low as 15%. Breast milk can protect the child against infectious diseases and ensure good growth. However, little is known about factors that prevent exclusive breastfeeding of infants under 6 months old in Africa, particularly in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This study aims at identifying the factors associated with non-adherence of women to exclusive breastfeeding in the Dibindi Health Zone, DRC. It was based on a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 118 breastfeeding women living in the study area, were interviewed. Socio-demographic and cultural factors including illnesses suffered by lactating women, having seen another mother stop breastfeeding, large families, the first time the mother breastfeeds, low household income, religion practiced by mothers, have been identified as factors associated with women's low adherence to exclusive breastfeeding in the Dibindi Health Zone.