Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding of children under six months of age in Cote d’Ivoire

Ibrahima Koffi, Ministère de l'Économie, du Plan et du Développement
Marie Laure Essis, institut national de santé publique d'Abidjan
Iba Bamba, Institut national de santé publique d'Abidjan
Kaudjhis Rh Assi, Institut national de santé publique d'Abidjan
Loukou Léandre Konan, Institut National de Santé Publique (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)
Joseph Aka, Institut National de Santé Publique (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

In Cote d'Ivoire, despite the recognized benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and its inclusion in national guidelines, the practice remains insufficient. This study, based on a secondary analysis of data from the 2016 Cote d’Ivoire Fifth Multi Indicator Cluster Survey, aimed to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of EBF before six months. Maternal exposure to counseling, age at delivery, and child sex significantly influenced the likelihood of discontinuation. Non-EBF children were often found in urban areas, high economic welfare households, with mothers having secondary education and fewer children. Health status and child sex were significant factors in EBF, with girl’s children less likely to be exclusively breastfed than boys. The study suggests the need to enhance health professionals' capacities to provide guidance and support for EBF, emphasizing its continuation until six months, irrespective of child health status or sex.