Factors promoting exclusive breastfeeding at a public health facility in Windhoek Namibia: A descriptive comparative study

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) refers to the practice of giving an infant breast milk only up to the age of six months, except for oral rehydration solutions or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines. Globally and in Namibia, EBF rates remain well below the 70% World Health Organisation (WHO) target. This study aimed to investigate factors that promote EBF amongst mothers at a public health facility in Windhoek, Namibia. A quantitative comparative descriptive design was used. Women aged 18 and above with infants aged 0 to 6 months attending a public health facility (n = 270) in Windhoek, Namibia, were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, economic, knowledge, psychosocial, biophysical and sociocultural factors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression..