Maternal Factors Associated with the Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers at One Week after Delivery in Two Selected Hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: The first week following delivery usually coincides with the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the associated factors regarding the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at one week after delivery in two selected hospitals in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2015 among post-partum mothers, who were selected through systematic sampling. A newly developed and validated questionnaire on the participants’ data, knowledge and attitude items and a breastfeeding practice checklist were used. The mothers were interviewed in the post-natal ward, and their breastfeeding practices were determined through a phone call at one week following delivery. Descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 335 participants were included. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at one week post-partum was 77.9% (95% CI: 73.0%, 82.2%), with significant associated factors being previous exclusive breastfeeding experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.48; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.49; P-value = 0.003] and the mean total score of knowledge [AOR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.11; P-value = 0.011]. CONCLUSION: Every mother should receive breastfeeding education, with special emphasis on those with no previous experience. The weak areas of knowledge identified herein should be strengthened during health education.