KAP study on Breastfeeding and Weaning in a Low Socio-economic Area in Sudan, 2020-2021

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding is the gold standard of infant and young child feeding and an essential factor for their health and overall well-being. This study aims to assess the influence of socio-economic determinants on knowledge, attitude and practice of breastfeeding and weaning among mothers of children aged two years and below in the suburbs of Khartoum locality. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 196 mothers of children selected through systematic random sampling. Results: Around 53% of participants had good knowledge on breastfeeding and weaning, and 60% of respondent had positive attitude towards breastfeeding and weaning. With regards to practice; breastfeeding initiation during the first hour was practiced by 94%, approximately 8% of participants had given pre-lacteal feed, colostrum feeding was done by 86.7%, around22% of women fed their child from one side until the whole breast is emptied out, 41% of mothers practicing breastfeeding on demand, 45% mothers had practiced or were currently practicing exclusive breastfeeding, almost 29% started introducing complementary food after the age of 6 month, and the most common types of complementary food introduced were boiled vegetables (94%). Socio-economic status significantly associated with poor knowledge were age below 25 years (p=0.007), primary education and below (p= 0.000) and mothers working in marginal business (p=0.008). While negative attitude was significantly associated with primary school education and below (p =0.04) and income of < or =10 000 Sudanese pounds per months (p =0.05). Mothers on marginal business jobs were more likely to have poor knowledge when compared to employed women (OR= 7.3, p 0.034). Those of primary education and below were likely to have poor knowledge than those with education level of secondary school and above (OR=4.8, p= 0.000). Whereas, those younger than 25years were more likely to have poor knowledge than older mothers (OR=2, p 0.026). Mothers who delivered at home had lower knowledge levels as to those who gave birth in a health institute (OR=2, p=0.019). Conclusion and recommendation: There is a need for mass education campaigns to promote optimal breastfeeding and weaning practices coupled with counseling during antenatal and postnatal periods