Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia has had a long-standing national commitment to improving child health. However, evidence on trends in breastfeeding has remained fragmented, and there is a paucity of information on the impacts of breastfeeding policy on breast feeding practices and associated factors influencing...

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Main Author: Hailemariam Mamo Hassen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Nutrition
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1516547/full
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author Hailemariam Mamo Hassen
author_facet Hailemariam Mamo Hassen
author_sort Hailemariam Mamo Hassen
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundEthiopia has had a long-standing national commitment to improving child health. However, evidence on trends in breastfeeding has remained fragmented, and there is a paucity of information on the impacts of breastfeeding policy on breast feeding practices and associated factors influencing it. This study examined trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding in the last two decades.MethodsThe study employed a retrospective observational design using Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS2000-2019) dataset for children aged <6 months and their mothers. Data analyses were performed via SPSS version 25. Trend analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used.ResultsExclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices have fluctuated inconsistently over the past two decades. Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 59.96% in 2000 to 66.01% in 2016 and then decreased to 59.86% in 2019. Predominant breastfeeding decreased from 40.04% in 2000 to 32.95% in 2016 and increased to 39.43% in 2019. Regional state, place of residence, and religion were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the likelihood of practicing exclusive or predominant breastfeeding.ConclusionThese inconsistent trends and the complex interplay of various factors suggest the limited success of previous policies and strategies and highlight the need for further investigation and revisiting current policies for a more nuanced and targeted approach in future interventions.
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spelling doaj-art-3c750782b9534e369d85643e65013ce92025-01-22T05:19:23ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Nutrition2296-861X2025-01-011210.3389/fnut.2025.15165471516547Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in EthiopiaHailemariam Mamo HassenBackgroundEthiopia has had a long-standing national commitment to improving child health. However, evidence on trends in breastfeeding has remained fragmented, and there is a paucity of information on the impacts of breastfeeding policy on breast feeding practices and associated factors influencing it. This study examined trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding in the last two decades.MethodsThe study employed a retrospective observational design using Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS2000-2019) dataset for children aged <6 months and their mothers. Data analyses were performed via SPSS version 25. Trend analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used.ResultsExclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices have fluctuated inconsistently over the past two decades. Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 59.96% in 2000 to 66.01% in 2016 and then decreased to 59.86% in 2019. Predominant breastfeeding decreased from 40.04% in 2000 to 32.95% in 2016 and increased to 39.43% in 2019. Regional state, place of residence, and religion were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the likelihood of practicing exclusive or predominant breastfeeding.ConclusionThese inconsistent trends and the complex interplay of various factors suggest the limited success of previous policies and strategies and highlight the need for further investigation and revisiting current policies for a more nuanced and targeted approach in future interventions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1516547/fullexclusive breastfeedingpredominant breastfeedingdisparitiestrend analysisEthiopia
spellingShingle Hailemariam Mamo Hassen
Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
Frontiers in Nutrition
exclusive breastfeeding
predominant breastfeeding
disparities
trend analysis
Ethiopia
title Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
title_full Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
title_fullStr Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
title_full_unstemmed Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
title_short Trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades (2000–2019) in Ethiopia
title_sort trends and determinants of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding practices for two decades 2000 2019 in ethiopia
topic exclusive breastfeeding
predominant breastfeeding
disparities
trend analysis
Ethiopia
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1516547/full
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