Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

Abstract: Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is safe and simple intervention in improving child health and growth. However the practice of EBF is still low especially in developing countries. Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess the factors associated with EBF among women with infants ’ aged 0-5 months in Kilimanjaro region. Methods: This was a population based cross sectional study conducted between June 2010 and March 2011 in Kilimanjaro region to investigate local factors for adverse child development. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio demographic data, breastfeeding history and reproductive information from mothers. Recall since birth was used to estimate EBF prevalence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with EBF among women with infants ’ aged 0-5 months in Kilimanjaro region. Results: Out of 462 women, 95 % (n=437) were still breastfeeding their infants during the study period. About 29 % of mothers with infants aged 0-5 months reported to practice EBF during the study period. In multivariabl