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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

 

Volume 4, Issue 1, 2012 pp 09-13

 

Research Article

 

Determinants of Exclusive Breast Feeding in a Rural Community of Maharashtra.

 

Wadde Satish K.1, Yadav Vallabh B.2

 

1Associate professor, Department of Community Medicine, MIMSR Medical College, Latur (MS) INDIA.

 

2Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, MGM�s Medical College, Aurangabad (MS) INDIA.

 

Academic Editor:  Dr. Aher K. R.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: - The breast feeding practices adopted in terms of duration, frequency and exclusiveness of breast feeding and weaning have great impact on complete physical, mental and psycho-social development of the child. Exclusive breast saves many lives by preventing malnutrition and infections. It gives the babies the best start in life. It is essential for the health growth of child. OBJECTIVES: - 1. To study the exclusive breast feeding practices in rural community. 2. To study some factors related to exclusive breast feeding. MATERIAL & METHODS: - The present cross sectional study was conducted in three adopted villages of Department of P.S.M., S.R.T.R. Medical College, Ambajogai, Maharashtra. 306 mothers with youngest child in age group of 4-24 months were included in the study. The information was collected by interviewing the mothers with the help of pretested, predesigned proforma. RESULTS: - All the mothers� age ranged between 18 to 35 years. Out of 306 mothers enrolled in the study 66.01% were illiterate. Only 87 (28.43%) mothers followed exclusive breast feeding. Very less no. of illiterate mothers followed exclusive breast feeding as compared to literate mothers. Exclusive breast feeding was less prevalent in mothers of lower socioeconomic status than the upper one. Significant number of mothers from nuclear and joint families followed exclusive breast feeding as compared to mothers from third generation families. 61 (34.46 %) of 177 hospital delivered mothers practiced exclusive breast feeding as compared to 26 (20.16%) of 129 home delivered mothers where chi square was significant. CONCLUSION: - Only 28.43 % mothers followed exclusive breast feeding which shows a very less. All the mothers should be encouraged to follow exclusive breast feeding practice as it is very beneficial for the physical, mental and psychosocial developmental of the child.