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Determinants of Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding for Saudi Mothers: Social Acceptance Is a Unique Predictor

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  • Nada A Alyousefi

    (Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
    King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Recent guidelines motivate health care professionals to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The reported rate of EBF is low in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore the determinants of successful exclusive breastfeeding for Saudi mothers. A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in family medicine clinics. The dependent variable was the actual practice of EBF. Independent variables were the mothers’ demographic information, comfortableness with breastfeeding in public, knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding, previous experience of successful breastfeeding, and a previous feeding plan. Statistical analysis was carried out using bivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression. Out of the 322 respondents, only 28% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Perceived insufficient milk ( p = 0.011) was associated with a lower EBF rate. Mothers’ degrees of comfort with breastfeeding in front of their relatives ( p = 0.024) and in front of friends ( p = 0.028) were significantly associated with their infants’ actual feeding practices for the first six months of their infants’ lives. Mothers reported that the absence of a suitable place for breastfeeding caused them to stop breastfeeding ( p = 0.043) and was associated with their infant’s actual feeding practices for the first six months of their infant’s lives. An antenatal breastfeeding intention was considered a significant predictor of EBF; OR: 7.31 (95% CI: 2.24—23.84). Mothers who do not stop breastfeeding when they get sick have a 5.054 times higher chance of continuing EBF (95% CI: 1.037—24.627) than the formula-only feeding group. Thus, social acceptance is a unique predictor for their success in exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers have good intentions and a desire to breastfeed. Therefore, they must be guided through their pregnancy and postpartum period to overcome breastfeeding issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Nada A Alyousefi, 2021. "Determinants of Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding for Saudi Mothers: Social Acceptance Is a Unique Predictor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5172-:d:553811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lama Alghofaily, 2019. "Women Leadership in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia," International Journal of Social Sciences, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 8(2), pages 14-32, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lingling Li & Heqing Song & Yu Zhang & Hang Li & Mu Li & Hong Jiang & Yajuan Yang & Ying Wu & Chunyi Gu & Yulian Yu & Xu Qian, 2021. "Breastfeeding Supportive Services in Baby-Friendly Hospitals Positively Influenced Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice at Hospitalization Discharge and Six Months Postpartum," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, October.

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