Connaissances, Attitudes et Pratiques des mères d'enfants sur l'allaitement exclusif

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months and advises that it be continued for up to two years in addition to appropriate and safe complementary feeding. The purpose of our work was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months on exclusive breastfeeding. Method : The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to July 1, 2012. The study population consisted of children aged 0-59 months and mothers of children residing in commune VI for six months or more. Results: Of the surveyed mothers, 54.3% were aged between 20- 29; the average age was 26.86 years and a standard deviation of 6.7 years. Only 10% of mothers had exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months. The good health of the child was the main reason mentioned by mothers with 52, 3%. According to 38.6% of the respondents, exclusive breastfeeding protects children against diseases. The IEC sessions at the health center for 59% of respondents are the source of information on exclusive breastfeeding. Of the respondents, 73.3% breastfed immediately after giving birth. With a prevalence of 10% in our study, AME is not widely followed by mothers of 0-5 month's old children.