Major Influencing Factors on Infants Feeding Pattern of Hospitalized Children Under 2 Years, Najaf Governorate-Iraq, 2017

Infant feeding practices are based on many factors; socio demographic factors are the most critical one. To investigate socio demographic factors that influence the infant feeding practices of mothers in Najaf Governorate/Iraq. A cross-sectional study was employed. Mothers who have under two years child participated in the study.

A tested questionnaire of twenty six inquiries was completed and chi-square test was used to associate feeding practices with different socio-demographic characteristics.

Among the mothers, the majority were between the ages of 19–35 years, unemployed, primary educated, and from low socioeconomic status. Mothers who reported having primary education were significantly more likely to exclusively breastfeed than those with higher levels of education. Mother's socioeconomic statuses, employment status, were also influential in infant feeding practices.

To describe the feeding practices of infants below two years of age and determine maternal socio-demographic factors that influences these practices among mothers in Najaf Governorate.

A cross-sectional study involving three hundred ninety five mother-under two years infant pairs hospitalized at Al-Zahraa teaching hospital for maternity and children, Najaf Governorate, during 2016–2017 were consecutively recruited after meeting the study inclusion criteria.

Data on breastfeeding were based on infant feeding practice in the previous 24 hours. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined as infant feeding with only breast milk.

Pretested questionnaire is comprised of 26 items include social demographic domain (11 items) Delivery details domain (3 items), Feeding pattern domain (12 items).

The findings of present study presented that the majority of sample was breast fed (44.3%), formula feeding (21.8%) and mixed feeding pattern (33.9%). High significant association between mother age and feeding pattern, the frequency of feeding pattern in age group (19–24) P-value 0.002.

Also significant association between mother educational level and feeding pattern P-value 0.018, also it was noticed that there is significant association between mother occupation with feeding pattern P value 0.043.

The study concludes that infant feeding pattern was significantly associated with mother education, income and occupation, mode of delivery and by person who advice to specific pattern of feeding.