Sociocultural Factors that Affect Kuwaiti Mothers\u27 Decision to Stop Breastfeeding

The major aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge of Kuwaiti women about the impact of BF on both mothers\u27 and infants\u27 health conditions and to describe the beliefs of Kuwaiti women about factors that cause insufficient breast milk. It also attempts to examine the influence of sociocultural factors that affect Kuwaiti mothers\u27 decision to stop BF. A sample of 870 Kuwaiti mothers coming from six Kuwaiti governorates were selected. The questionnaire that was used consisted of six sections, containing closed-ended questions to measure the identified variables (sociocultural information, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on infants\u27 health condition, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on mothers\u27 health condition, and factors that caused cessation of exclusive BF). The study reveals that the majority of Kuwaiti mothers combine BF and formula feeding and that few practiced exclusive BF. Moreover, findings show a significant association between knowledge about the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health and some of the mothers\u27 sociocultural variables, such as the residential area. Kuwaiti mothers\u27 employment status also has a significant impact on their knowledge of the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health, with employed mothers having better knowledge than unemployed ones. The main causes of stopping BF among Kuwaiti mothers were dry breast milk and non-flow from the breasts. BF is optimal for infants\u27 and mothers\u27 physiological and psychological well-being. The present study demonstrates that only few Kuwaiti mothers practiced exclusive BF and that the majority practiced combined BF and formula feeding