Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nonexclusive Breastfeeding to Infants within the First 6 Months in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2014

Introduction. Nonexclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) is giving infants other foods or fluids in addition to the breast milk within the first six months of age. According to Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011, prevalence of NEBF was found to be 48%; this has a great impact on the health and development of the child.Objectives. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of NEBF to infants within the first six months.Methods. Community based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 1 to 31, 2014, among 828 mothers with infants 6 to 12 months old. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Logistic regression analysis with 95% CI was computed to identify predictor variables.Result. A total of 828 mothers with infants aged between 6 and 12 months were interviewed with 100% response rate. Prevalence of NEBF was 47.5%. Mothers who completed primary school ( AOR=0.46 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.71]) were less likely practicing NEBF compared to mothers with no formal education. Governmental employees ( AOR=2.55 [95% CI: 1.45, 4.46]) were more likely practicing NEBF.Conclusion. NEBF was practiced by 47% of mothers. Maternal educational status, occupation, and knowledge of initiation of complementary feeding were factors significantly associated with NEBF.