Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding among Primiparous Women

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is infant’s breast milk consumption without supplementation of any kind of food or drink. Nowadays, EBF has been considered as a key strategy for ensuring the growth and survival of the child. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in primiparous women referring to Tehran health centers. In this analytical study, the sample consists of primiparous women in reproductive age who referred to Tehran health centers in 2015-2016 having a child aged 2-5 years. Health literacy was measured by Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire which measures health literacy with 25 items graded on a 5-point scale. The data were analyzed by binary Bayesian regression model and using OpenBUGS software. EBF was reported 50.5%. The variables of maternal age (OR=0.87, CI: (0.80, 0.97)) and health literacy score (OR=1.11, CI: (1.16, 2.01)) had significant relationship with EBF. The method of delivery had no significant effect. Results showed that health literacy score played an important role in exclusive breastfeeding besides maternal age. Therefore, considering the importance of the effect of health literacy on breastfeeding, it is suggested that mothers have the ability to obtain a high score of health literacy before pregnancy time.