Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Breastfeeding is considered as an ideal form of feeding in the neonate. It is feeding of babies with breast milk directly from women breasts instead of a baby bottle or other container. The present study aims at investigating the association between breastfeeding practices and socioeconomic status. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pediatric General Hospital (PGH) in Kirkuk city over a period of seven months starting from January 2016. Consecutive sampling was employed to collect 377 mothers who have children (< 24 months) in PGH. A questionnaire was used to compile the information on the socio-economic factors and practices of breastfeeding. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Out of 288 mothers, 377 of them reported being breastfed. A significant difference has been found between breastfeeding practices and some maternal data. These include age (p <0.001), parity (p= 0.018), and antenatal session attendance (p <0.001). On the other hand, the regular visit to the PHC during the prenatal period did not affect breastfeeding practices (p= 0.296). Moreover, a highly significant association between breastfeeding practices and socioeconomic status of mothers has been shown. These include educational level (p= 0.002), occupational status (p <0.001), and family income (p <0.001). Breastfeeding has increased significantly with the increase in the level of education, family income, and being an employee.