Background
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is one of the most effective public health interventions known to
reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Despite evidence on benefits of exclusive breastfeeding,
rates remain low in Zimbabwe. Few studies have looked at the factors associated with low EBF
rates in Zimbabwe. The aim of the study was to determine the socio-demographic factors
associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with children less than six months of age
in Zimbabwe.
Methodology
The study conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2010/2011 Zimbabwe Demographic Health
Survey (ZDHS). Data on 638 mothers with children aged less than six months was analysed
guided by the framework of determinants of exclusive breastfeeding. Using Stata 13, factors
associated with exclusive breastfeeding were identified using bivariate and multiple logistic
regression analysis.
Results
This study revealed that the exclusive breastfeeding rate was 30.9% (197/638) among mothers of
infants aged 0-5 months. Urban residence (0.0389) and health facility deliveries (0.0195) were
positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers. Factors that
negatively influenced exclusive breastfeeding were; bottle feeding (p= <0.0001) and increasing
infant age (p=<0.0001).
Conclusions
In conclusion, EBF rates are still low among women in Zimbabwe. To scale-up exclusive
breastfeeding, interventions should target mothers from rural areas, improve health facility
deliveries and strengthen the enforcement of the code of marketing of breast milk substitutes.
Breastfeeding mothers should be supported beyond the health facility to sustain exclusive
breastfeeding for six months.