Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among primiparous mothers: A mixed-methods study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Rubi Pradhan, Pravati Tripathy, Debasish Nanda, Suchismita PahantasinghBackground:
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) plays a vital role in ensuring infant survival, growth, and development; however, its practice is shaped by a complex interaction of sociocultural, behavioral, and healthcare-related factors.
Objective:
This study aims to examine the determinants of EBF practices among primiparous mothers using a mixed-methods approach in a tertiary care hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Materials and Methods:
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was adopted. The quantitative phase included 400 primiparous mothers selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 18 mothers, and thematic analysis was performed to explore contextual experiences.
Results:
While 56.7% of mothers initiated breastfeeding immediately after delivery and 77.3% reported continuing EBF, early introduction of complementary feeding (3–4 months) was observed in 68.13% of participants. A majority (84%) exhibited determinants negatively influencing EBF (mean score: 103.36 ± 13.44). Mode of delivery emerged as a significant predictor (
Conclusion:
Despite relatively high initiation and continuation rates, optimal EBF practices are compromised by early complementary feeding and multiple contextual challenges. Strengthening family-inclusive counseling and culturally appropriate interventions is essential to promote sustained EBF.