IJCM₈6A: Assessment of Breastfeeding practices in a Tribal District of Maharashtra: A Cross-sectional study.

Background: As the WHO aptly puts it, breastfeeding is the cornerstone of child survival, nutrition and development, as well as maternal health. However, contrary to the WHO recommendations, fewer than half of infants under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed (1) According to the National Family Health Survey data of India, only 71% of children under 6 months are exclusively breastfed in Maharashtra. (2) This may be seen more in the tribal communities due to their geographical location and strong cultural norms. This study aims to assess the breastfeeding practices that are prevalent in a tribal district. Objectives: 1) To estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the tribal population. 2) To determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the tribal population. Methodology: This is a community based cross-sectional observational research project. The study population is mothers belonging to the Scheduled Tribes Category with infant in the age group of 6 months to 1 year. 161 women were selected by simple random sampling using a random number table. A structured interview schedule was used to conduct the interviews. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical test. Results: The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is 63%. 72.7% of mothers belonging to the Warli tribe and 91% of mothers of the age under 20 years followed the recommended exclusive breastfeeding. Even the place of delivery of the child was found to be significantly associated with the exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of breastfeeding in the tribal population is less than the overall prevalence of the entire state. More efforts are needed to create awareness about the concept and the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.