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375546

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers towards Weaning off Breastfeeding at Two Years of Age in Egypt

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Last updated: 03 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities recommend breastfeeding for at least 2 years, a practice also supported by Quranic teachings. Despite this, many mothers discontinue breastfeeding earlier than advised. The factors enabling some mothers to continue breastfeeding for 2 years or more are not well understood. Objective: This study aimed to identify factors and outcomes associated with breastfeeding for 2 years or more by evaluating mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding breastfeeding and weaning, and their impact on children's growth and development. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective comparative KAP study was conducted with mothers of children aged 3-5 years. The study included 353 mothers who breastfed for 18 months or less (Group I: CBF18-) and 150 mothers who breastfed for 24 months or more (Group II: CBF24+). Children's growth was assessed using WHO growth charts, and developmental disorders were evaluated. Results: Mothers in Group II (CBF24+) had significantly higher knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores related to breastfeeding benefits, early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months, and gradual weaning (P<0.05). Their children were less likely to be wasted (P<0.05) and experienced fewer episodes of illness (P<0.05). Developmental disorders like temper tantrums, night terrors, and others were linked to sudden, rather than gradual, weaning (P<0.05), but not to the duration of breastfeeding. Conclusion: Mothers' KAP significantly influences the ability to achieve CBF24+. Developmental disorders may arise from attachment issues due to sudden weaning. Early, intense EBF is predictive of longer breastfeeding and better emotional stability in children.  

DOI

10.21608/ejhm.2024.375546

Keywords

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Weaning, Continued Breastfeeding, Growth

Volume

96

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

48863

Issue Date

2024-07-01

Receive Date

2024-08-23

Publish Date

2024-07-01

Page Start

2,959

Page End

2,971

Print ISSN

1687-2002

Online ISSN

2090-7125

Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/article_375546.html

Detail API

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=375546

Order

94

Type

Original Article

Type Code

606

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine

Publication Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers towards Weaning off Breastfeeding at Two Years of Age in Egypt

Details

Type

Article

Created At

24 Dec 2024