Breastfeeding practices in an indigenous minority community group in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Promotion of breastfeeding has been identified as one of the effective evidence based interventions to improve health of infants and young children. Various factors play an important role in breastfeeding practices which are not sufficiently explored in communities like Chepang in Nepal. The objectives of the study were to identify the knowledge and practices of Chepang mothers on breastfeeding and its associated factors.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in which 203 Chepang mothers with child under one year of age were randomly selected and interviewed. Quantitative method was applied for data collection. Analysis of association was done using logistic regression.

Results: Practice of mothers on breastfeeding was found better than knowledge. About one fourth (23%) of them knew the appropriate time for early initiation of breastfeeding, however, 36% had practiced it. Exclusive breastfeeding practice under 6 months was 88%, although 60% knew about the recommended duration. Literate mothers were more likely to initiate breastfeeding at appropriate time [AOR: 4.24 (95% CI: 2.20-8.19)] than illiterate.

Conclusions: Breastfeeding practices like colostrum feeding and exclusive breastfeeding were found better in Chepang communities than national average, however, early initiation of breastfeeding needs to be improved which could be improved through counseling during antenatal and postnatal visits.