Factors Predicting Breast Feeding Practices Among Mothers in Haiti

The current study examined the effects of socioeconomic, social, demographic, and geographical factors on current breastfeeding practices among women in Haiti. A nationally representative sample consisting of 29, 013 women aged between 15 and 49 years old was used to conduct the study. The data came from Haiti Demographic and Health Survey, 2012-13. Chi-square tests were performed to analyze the bivariate association between each independent variable (i.e, educational level, current working status, child age, number of living children in a household, current marital status, access to media, visit of a health facility, place of residence, and wealth status) and the dependent variables (i.e., current breastfeeding practices, when child put to breast and baby postnatal check within 2 months). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that educational level, marital status, and visit to a health facility significantly increased the chances for women to breastfeed their children. On the other hand, current working status, child age, access to media, and wealth status significantly decreased the likelihood women to breastfed their children. Among the positive predictors, educational level and visit to a health facility were found to be the strongest predictors. Among negative predictors, access to media and wealth status were the strongest predictors. Based on the evidence, appropriate programs and policies are needed at the micro level as well as the macro level to increase the educational opportunities for women and to build health facilities within communities to increase breastfeeding practices among women in Haiti. Also, adequate interventions should be carried out to eliminate or minimize the negative iv effects of media on breastfeeding practices among women in Haiti. This might increase the overall current breastfeeding rate in Haiti and improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in Haiti