Level of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First 6 Months in 0-24 Month Infants and Children in a Family Health Center in ?anl?urfa and the Factors Affecting it

Abstract

Purpose: The research is conducted to determine the level of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months in infants of mothers who have 0-24 month infants/children in ?anl?urfa and the factors affecting it. Method: The study is a crosssectional type. It was conducted between February and March 2018. Mothers with 0-24 month infants/children registered in a family health center are the study population. 358 people participated in the study. Results: The median age of the women in the research is 27 years. Education level of 75.5% of women was primary school and below, 14.2% of them were agricultural worker, 62.3% of them had no health insurance. Level of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months in 6-24 month infants and children is 15.0%. 63.7% of newborns received breast milk as the first food after birth. In the logistic regression model; while being agricultural worker negatively affects the condition of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months by 5.2 times, using the pacifier-baby bottle by 2.7 times, not receiving breastfeeding counselling from primary health institutions by 4.1 times, 1 unit increase in the number of daily breastfeeding affects 1.6 times positively. Conclusion: Level of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is very low. In secondary and tertiary health care institutions, studies should be done to increase the quality and quantity of breastfeeding and breast milk counselling; the counselling services should be reached to women who are seasonal agricultural workers. The positive contribution of the primary healthcare institutions on breastfeeding should be improved and maintained.