Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding: sociodemographic, neonatal, and infant feeding practice factors in children under six months of age.

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to six months of age is widely recognized as a key strategy for promoting child health; however, its prevalence remains below recommended levels. This study aimed to investigate sociodemographic, neonatal, and feeding practice factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months of age receiving Primary Health Care. This cross-sectional study included 114 infants aged 0 to 6 months living in Ubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering maternal characteristics, birth conditions, feeding practices, and food consumption markers from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN). Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level of 5%. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 41.4%. Higher frequencies of EBF were observed among infants of mothers older than 20 years (p=0.024), infants younger than three months (p=0.020), those who did not use pacifiers (p<0.001) or feeding bottles (p<0.001), as well as infants born at term (p=0.005) and with adequate birth weight (p=0.036). No significant associations were found with socioeconomic classification or household food insecurity risk. These findings indicate that maternal, neonatal, and behavioral factors play an important role in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting the importance of strengthening breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support actions within Primary Health Care services.