Beyond mothers: the crucial role of family caregivers’ knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in rural western China

BACKGROUND: The exclusive breastfeeding rate in China remains significantly low. Numerous studies have identified the impact of maternal characteristics on exclusive breastfeeding; however, the correlation between primary family caregivers’ characteristics, such as health and nutrition knowledge, and exclusive breastfeeding still lacks clarity. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the health and nutrition knowledge of primary family caregivers and exclusive breastfeeding in rural China. METHODS: In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two prefectures within the Qinba Mountains area, located in the southern region of Shaanxi province. Data on knowledge of health and nutrition, breastfeeding practices, breastfeeding family support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and conflict frequency were collected via structured questionnaires from 372 caregiver-infant pairs. Infant feeding practices were assessed based on the caregivers’ recall of the previous day (within the 24 h before the interview). The mother was interviewed first, followed by a brief questionnaire for the primary family caregiver, both conducted individually to minimize disruptions from other family members. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore the correlation between knowledge of mothers and primary family caregivers and exclusive breastfeeding. RESULTS: The exclusive breastfeeding rate for six-month-old infants in the sample was 15.7%. On average, mothers scored 4.6 (SD 1.4) for health and nutrition knowledge, while primary family caregivers scored 3.6 (SD 1.4). Both maternal (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.16, 1.88) and primary family caregiver’s (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.05, 1.70) health and nutrition knowledge were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. A positive correlation (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.40, 2.80) existed between the average health and nutrition knowledge of the mother and primary family caregiver and exclusive breastfeeding. The primary family caregiver’s health and nutrition knowledge was positively correlated with the practical family support perceived by the mother (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.02, 1.49) and breastfeeding self-efficacy of the mother (β = 1.40; 95% CI 0.29, 2.50). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the primary family caregiver play a large role in exclusive breastfeeding. To promote exclusive breastfeeding, interventions should address the needs of the whole family instead of just mothers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-023-00596-8.