Exclusive breastfeeding practice among Cambodian mothers based on selected socio-demographic characteristics

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) benefits both infants and their mothers. This study aims to explore the differences in EBF based on the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers in Cambodia. Method: This study uses a cross-sectional study design and data collected from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey of 2014. Additionally, this study was conducted on 688 Cambodian mothers who do EBF and non-exclusive breastfeeding of infants aged between zero to six months. Using descriptive analysis, and multiple logistic regression to measure the relationship between EBF and its factors for a sample design. Results: Overall, EBF was challenged by working mothers and those with high economic status. The logistic regressions indicated that EBF was low in the richest economic level group (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.21). Mothers in managerial positions (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.47), and mothers in a sales position (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.14-0.62) were negatively associated with practices of EBF regarding infants between zero to six months old. Mothers with these socio-demographic characteristics (reference group [poorest 1.00], [notworking 1.00]) were less likely to practice EBF. Conclusion: Promoting programs that promote six months of EBF to target high-risk groups. Working mothers and the richest economy households were recommended as the target population. Recommendations were made on policies to improve EBF focus on workplace facilities and awareness of EBF interventions. Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, demographic characteristics, logistic regression, Cambodia.