Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices in the commune of Sakété, southern Benin: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices in community settings of southern Benin. We conducted a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study in Sakété commune. Six midwives and 100 breastfeeding women with at least one child under 6 months of age completed a semi-structured questionnaire. We also conducted focus groups with grandmothers. The quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using chi-square tests, Student's t-tests, and logistic regression. The data from the focus groups were analyzed thematically. The Information-Education-Communication (IEC) sessions on the EBF were conducted in all the visited maternity care facilities. Nonetheless, only 58% of breastfeeding mothers followed EBF practices, and most grandmothers did not follow EBF practices. Regression analysis identified that mothers who participated in IEC sessions focused on good infant feeding and nutrition practices and those seeking advice from close relatives were more likely to use EBF. The study revealed a low EBF rate and suggested that interventions could educate mothers and other household members on the importance of timely breastfeeding initiation in the study area