Barriers To Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers With Children Aged 6-9 Months In Mogadishu City, Somalia

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first six months of life is the most effective way to satisfy a baby's nutritional and psychological
needs. It is a simple intervention to improve a child's health and development. Despite its advantages, there is a low global rate of
exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and in Mogadishu, Somalia, EBF is rarely practised. This research identified social and cultural factors
that might influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with babies aged between 6-9 months in Mogadishu, to
inform and support redress.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of 280 infants aged six months to 9 months. Mothers were
recruited using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaires, and the analysis was done using SPSS version
23. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding, and statistical significance was
determined at a 5% significance level.
Results
Two hundred eighty mothers participated in the study. The mothers' average age was 27.8 (±4.12) years, while the babies were, on
average aged 7.6(±1.2) months. About 63% of the mothers were married, and 67% had 2 to 5 children. The level of exclusively
breastfeeding was at 30% (95%CI: 25.2-36.03). Being married/cohabiting (OR=2.877, 95%CI: 1.21-6.90), acquiring up to
secondary/tertiary education level (OR=4.282, 95%CI: 1.78-10.30), is not advised to give their children food/drinks with the first six
(OR=0.04; 95%CI (12.94 – 51.19); P<0.001).
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding in Somalia is below the level recommended by WHO and National Infant and Young Child
feeding practices (IYCF). Interventions from the Somali government regarding policies, guidelines and protocols are highly needed.