Exclusive breastfeeding and maternal factors related to its early cessation in a rural community in Ecuador

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and the maternal factors related with EBF cessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative study performed at the Conocoto Health Center (Pichincha - Ecuador). Maternal data, nutritional status of infants, characteristics of breastfeeding and number of previous acute diseases (diarrheal and respiratory) were recorded. RESULTS: We selected 155 infants (age 12.6 +/- 4.8 months; 53.5% male). Only 49.6% (95% CI: 41.9-57.4%) of the infants had EBF for six months and in the others duration was just 2.7 +/- 1.7 months. Nutritional status was similar between groups (EBF and no-EBF), nevertheless respiratory infections (>= 6 episodes) were more common in thelast ones (1.3 vs 9.0%; p = 0.03). Factors related with EBF cessation were primiparous mother (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.31-4.82; p <0.01), unmarried cohabitation (OR: 2.26; 95%CI: 1.19-4.31; p = 0.03) and mother who studies or works outside the home (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.58-5.98; p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Only half of the children had an EBF. An early EBF cessation (first three months) mainly happens when the mothers are primiparous, unmarried and has activities outside the home. To determine the situation in other rural communities seems relevant, at the time to increase EBF promotion.