Shiferaw, Solomon (PhD)Tsegaye, Medhin2018-09-212023-11-052018-09-212023-11-052015-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/12044Background: Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy for improving child and maternal health conditions. However, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is very low in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors among infants aged six months in Asaita wereda, Afar Ethiopia. Objective: To measure the prevalence and identify determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practice in Afar. Materials and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted with qualitative inquiry from March to April 2015. Quantitative data were collected from 631 mother infant-pairs residing in Aysaita wereda with pretested structured questionnaire using the modified EPI cluster sampling procedure. Seven clusters were selected using the PPS (probability proportional to size) after selecting the clusters, households were divided and distributed equally for each enumeration areas. Dividing 1958 HHs (estimated HHs to be visited) equal to the 7 EAs, 280 households in each selected clusters or enumeration areas were visited. The qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions among purposely selected discussants. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated using bivariate and multivariable analysis with binary logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of exclusive breastfeeding while thematic framework analysis was employed for the qualitative data Results: The majority (97.9%) of the mothers have ever breastfed their infants. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 55% with a median duration of 0.5 months. Residing in Urban AOR: 5.7, 95%CI(3.5-9.2), having good knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding AOR: 2.3, 95%CI (1.6-3.5), lower parity (1 & 2-4) AOR: 2.2 95%CI(1.2,4.2) & AOR: 1.9, 95%CI(1.1,3.5) respectively, delivering at health facility AOR: 1.7, 95%CI (1.1,2.7) unemployment AOR: 1.8, 95%CI(1.1,2.9) and primary education AOR: 0.6, 95%CI (0.4,0.9) were found to be a predictor of exclusive breast feeding. Conclusion: The prevalence and median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be low compared to the WHO recommendation. In the current study, however half of the mothers had good knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, knowledge of mothers about the right time to initiate breastfeeding after birth, and knowledge on foods/liquids recommended to infants less than 6 months was far lower from many studies done in developing countries. Most of the study population had positive/favorable attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding practice during the first six months. Urban residence, being unemployed, being knowledgeable on EBF practices, low parity and delivering at health facilities were the independent predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice in the studied community. Thus Strengthening efforts on availability of basic services and promoting education on the cultural malpractices on rural areas, promoting knowledge on exclusive breast feeding using accessible means such as medias and public meetings, revising policies on maternity leaves and creating a baby friendly working environment, encouraging the mothers to deliver at health facilities and promoting its importance and encouraging further researches on the topic of area are recommendedenAssessment of the prevalence and associated factorsThesis