Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending the Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Northern Uganda

Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending the Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Northern Uganda | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending the Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Northern Uganda Donald Otika, Mark Ssemakula, Clever Gamukama, Sabe Asiimwe, Harriet Ajilong This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8434800/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a critical public health strategy for reducing child morbidity and mortality and improving maternal health. Despite its recognized benefits, the global and national prevalence of EBF remains below recommended levels. In Uganda, EBF rates decrease significantly as infants age, contributing to preventable health complications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of EBF among mothers attending the immunization clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH). Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July and October 2024, among 424 mothers with infants aged 6–12 months at GRRH. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 17. We obtained an ethical approval and clearance from Gulu University Research and Ethics Committee. We used convenience sampling method to obtain mothers having children of 6 months to one year of age attending postnatal and immunization during the time of the study at Gulu RRH. Ethical approval and Informed consent was obtained from all respondents and participation was free and voluntary. We obtained a quiet and private room for carrying out data collection. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize EBF prevalence, while bivariate and multivariate analyses identified significant predictors of EBF. Results: The prevalence of EBF was 35.9% (95% CI: 31.48–40.64). Factors positively associated with EBF included maternal education (primary: aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.01–9.20), family support (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.13–4.31), community support (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.68–6.23), attendance at healthcare programs (aOR = 10.5, 95% CI: 4.45–24.75), and perceived importance of EBF (aOR = 22.1, 95% CI: 4.05–120.20). Grand multiparity and poor maternal health negatively influenced EBF. Conclusion: The prevalence of EBF at GRRH is suboptimal, with significant predictors including maternal education, social support, healthcare program attendance, and maternal perception of EBF's importance. Interventions targeting education, social support systems, and healthcare engagement are crucial for promoting EBF practices. Recommendations: Strengthening health education, engaging family and community support networks, and improving maternal access to healthcare services can enhance EBF prevalence and contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes in the region. Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as when an infant from 0 to 6 months receives only breast milk, no other liquids or solids are given not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines 1 , 2 . Breast milk is a natural food that serves as a complete source of infant nutrition for the first six months of life. It contains all the necessary nutrients provided in a bioavailable and easily digestible form, protecting both mothers and children against illnesses and diseases with immunological properties 2 . Beyond the benefits that breastfeeding confers to the mother-child relationship, breastfeeding lowers the incidence of many childhood illnesses, such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes mellitus, malocclusion, and diarrhea 3 . Also, breastfeeding supports healthy brain development and is associated with higher performance on intelligence tests among children and adolescents 4 . In mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the frequency of hemorrhage, postpartum depression, breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as facilitating weight loss, and lactation amenorrhea for postpartum family planning 5 . Exclusive breastfeeding is therefore an important public health strategy for improving children’s and mother’s health by reducing child morbidity and mortality. All babies below 6 months should be exclusively breast fed in order to avoid several complications that could arise, and breastfeeding should begin within one hour after birth 6 . The World Health Organization (2010) and UNICEF (2013) recommend that all mothers should breast feed their children exclusively for the first six months of life. The World Health Assembly (WHA) also set a global target in order to increase the rate of EBF for infants aged 0–6 months up to at least 50% in 2012–2025 7 . Every year, optimal breastfeeding practices can prevent about 1.4 million deaths worldwide among children under five 8 . Globally, Infant and childhood morbidity and mortality is becoming a major result of not breastfeeding exclusively. It is believed to be responsible for 10% of the global disease burden 9 . Additionally, about 48% of infants are exclusively breastfed annually, and this is expected to rise to 50% by 2025 10 . Although the rates of EBF for the past two decades have been increasing, it is still a long road to achieve the 100% global target coverage recommended by UNICEF 11 . In Africa, early and abrupt cessation of BF followed by an introduction of dirty and unsound artificial feeding of infants is a common practice that makes children more vulnerable to infection with different pathogens 12 , 13 . Infants who have not been breast fed exclusively face future health challenges. These problems cause a decrease in the full absorption of nutrients from breastmilk; predispose them to diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections 14 . In sub-Saharan Africa, the high statistics of weight loss; malnutrition; poor academic performance; decreased productivity; impaired cognitive, and social development are largely attributed to non-exclusive breastfeeding (UNICEF, 2019), and these challenges are even worse in developing countries like Uganda 15 . Similarly, the national policy guidelines of Uganda on infant and young child feeding emphasized that all babies below 6 months should be exclusively breast fed 16 . Although over 90% of children in Uganda are breastfed at some point, the percentage of children exclusively breastfed decreases sharply with age from 83% in infants 0–1 month to 69% among those 2–3 months and further to 43% among infants aged 4–5 months 17 . This translates into 36% of Ugandan children below 6 months not being breastfed exclusively despite its active promotion 17 . This study therefore aims to explore the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its Predictors among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH. Objectives of the Study To assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH. To evaluate the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH. Methodology Study Design We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study by collecting data at a single point in time from a representative sample. In this study, we adopted quantitative techniques, presenting the data using figures and percentages. This design was projected to be suitable for our research objectives. Descriptive statistics (such as mean, median, and standard deviation) allowed us to summarize and describe sample characteristics. Study Setting We conducted this study from the immunization clinic at Gulu regional referral hospital, located in Gulu city, northern Uganda. Gulu city is the commercial and administrative center of Gulu district. The coordinates of the city of Gulu are 2°46'54.0"N 32°17'57.0"E. The city's distance from Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city, is 333 kilometers (207mi) by road. Gulu regional referral hospital is a government hospital located in the center of Gulu city. The hospital is run by a hospital director, supported by a multi-disciplinary team. The hospital has various departments, including obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, specialized clinics, and many others, and has a total bed capacity of 370 beds. We conducted this study from the immunization clinic of Gulu regional referral hospital, which was proposed to provide a big pool of potential respondents for sampling. Study Population Our study targeted mothers with babies of 6 months to one year at Gulu regional referral hospital during the time of data collection. We particularly chose to conduct this study among babies of 6 months to 1year; by considering this age group, we were able to ascertain the real picture of babies who have been exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months. Inclusion Criteria Only mothers with children between 6 months to1 year were included in the study. Only mothers who consented to the study were included. Exclusion Criteria Mothers with any forms of mental illness were not to be included in the study. We planned to appropriately link all potential respondents who will unfortunately have any forms of mental illness to the psychiatric unit within the hospital. However, we did not encounter any. Sample Size Determination We used the Kish and Lisle (1965) formula for calculation of sample size for an unknown population. At 95% confidence interval, we used an error of 5%, alpha risk expressed in z score of 1.96 and proportion of 50%. $$\:n=\frac{{z}^{2}pq}{{d}^{2}}$$ where; n is sample size, z is the alpha risk (1.96), p is the proportion (50%), q is 1 – p (0.5), d is the margin of error (0.05) n = 385. We added 10% of this in order to cater for non respondence. n = 424 Participants. Sampling Method We employed a convenience sampling method to select mothers with children aged 6 months to one year who are attending immunization services at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (Gulu RRH) during the study period. Convenience sampling involved selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate. In other words, we included individuals who are readily accessible to the researcher. Researchers chose convenience sampling because it was convenient in terms of practicality and accessibility. It works well when the population is homogeneous (similar in characteristics). For example, our study involved a specific group of patients in a hospital, convenience sampling allows quick access to those patients. Research Instruments We developed a semi structured questionnaire including both open and closed ended questions. The tool collected information on demographic characteristics of respondents, exclusive breast- feeding practices and factors that influence exclusive breast feeding. The tool exported into Kobo toolbox installed in mobile phone devices which were used for data collection. We had a one- day training of members who were involved in data collection for acquaintance with the tool and kobo toolbox application. The tool was then administered by a research assistant (interviewer-administered). Data Collection Procedures The investigators carried out the collection of data. Upon identifying potential respondents, we explained the purpose of the study to each of the respondents identified, and obtained an informed written consent. We then administered the electronic tool and saved in Kobo Toolbox mobile application. We obtained a quiet and comfortable place within the hospital for purposes of carrying out data collection to ensure confidentiality of results. Data Management The data captured in the phone was regularly saved to avoid loss of data. We safely kept the devices under key and lock before and after data collection, and limited access. Data Analysis Plan Data was exported to STATA version 17 for cleaning and analysis. For objective 1, the proportion was the number of babies above 6 months of age who have been exclusively breastfed for 6 complete months, for objective 2, the proportion was the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. We performed Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests at bivariate analysis. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. We then performed modified Poisson regression analysis for multi-variable logistic regressions on variables with P < 0.2to assess associations. Results Sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents Table 1 summaries the social demographics of respondents. The median age of mothers was 26 years (IQR: 22–32), with mothers above 18 years (85.8%) making up the majority of the study population, while teenage mothers represented 14.2%. Educational background varied among respondents, with most mothers having attained secondary (30.7%) or tertiary education (35.9%), while a smaller proportion (10.4%) had no formal education. The marital status of respondents showed that a large majority were married (85.3%), with smaller proportions being single, divorced, or widowed. More than half the respondents, 69.7% of respondents living in urban areas, while 68.3% of the mothers were employed. The mothers rated their overall health positively, with 71.6% describing it as good and only 4.3% reporting poor health. Illness during pregnancy was reported by 76.8% of respondents, in terms of social support, 87.2% of mothers reported receiving spousal support, while 65.3% benefited from community support. Additionally, nearly all mothers (97.6%) had access to designated breastfeeding spaces, while 95.7% reported access to clean water. Table 1 General characteristics of the respondents Variables frequency percentage Age (median, IQR), years 26 22–32 Age class Teenage mothers 60 14.2 Adult mothers 363 85.8 Educational background No formal education 44 10.4 Primary education 97 22.9 Secondary education 130 30.7 Tertiary education 152 35.9 Parity ( median, IQR) 2 1–4 Parity Primi parous 138 32.6 Multiparous 207 48.9 Grand multiparous 78 18.4 Marital status Divorced 23 5.4 Widowed 9 2.1 Marital 361 85.3 single 30 7.1 Residence Rural 128 30.3 Urban 295 69.7 Mother Overall health Excellent Fair Good Poor 12 90 303 18 2.8 21.3 71.6 4.3 Illness during pregnancy No Yes 98 325 23.2 76.8 Employment status Unemployed Employed 134 289 31.7 68.3 Monthly salary (median, IQR) Ug shs 300,000 0–500,000 Cultural beliefs No Yes 414 9 97.9 2.1 Family support No support Support present 157 266 37.1 62.9 Spouse support No yes 54 369 12.8 87.2 Community support No 147 34.7 Yes 276 65.3 Access to clean water No Yes 18 405 4.3 95.7 Breastfeeding spaces No Yes 10 413 2.4 97.6 Infant overall health Excellent Fair Good Poor 28 65 313 17 6.6 15.4 74.0 4.0 Infant illness No Yes 67 356 15.8 84.2 Term Full term Preterm 333 90 78.7 21.3 Age of baby (median, IQR), months 9 6–10 Feeds to the baby No Yes 13 410 3.1 96.9 Age to introduce other feeds 4 3–6 (median, IQR), months EBF No yes 271 152 64.1 35.9 Intention to EBF No Yes 222 201 52.5 47.5 Accessibility to health center Not accessible Accessible 202 221 47.7 52.3 Distance to nearest health centre (median, IQR), km 7 3–11 Attendance to health care programmes No Yes 159 264 37.6 62.4 ANC visits 1–4 visits 5–7 visits 8 and more Did not attend ANC 107 272 38 6 25.3 64.3 9.0 1.4 Overall health in pregnancy Excellent Fair Good 12 67 326 2.8 15.8 77.1 Poor 18 4.3 Mode of delivery for the last born c\s SVD 106 317 25.1 74.9 Place of delivery for the last born Health center Home Traditional birth attendant 403 10 10 95.3 2.4 2.4 Perceived importance of EBF No Yes 79 344 18.7 81.3 Prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending postnatal and YCC clinics at GRRH We found out that the prevalence of EBF among mothers attending postnatal and YCC at GRRH is 35.9% (95%CI 31.48–40.64), (N = 152/423), which is lower than the World Health Organization's recommended EBF rate of at least 50% by six months. Similarly, global estimates show that only about 46% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life (Zong et al., 2021) Table 2 summaries factors associated with exclusive breast feeding among study participants. At bivalent level Pearsons’s chi-square was used to determine factors associated with EBF. Factors with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Factors with p < 0.2 were included in multi- variable logistic regression for independent association. Level of significance was maintained at p < 0.05. In the bivariate analysis, multiple factors were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Mothers with primary (crude odds ratios [cOR] 3.3, 95% CI: 1.25–8.52, p = 0.016), secondary (cOR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.66–10.71, p = 0.002), and tertiary (cOR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.69–10.67, p = 0.002) education had higher odds of practicing EBF compared to those without formal education. Grand multiparous mothers had lower odds of EBF compared to multiparous mothers (cOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.09–0.42, p < 0.001). Residence in urban areas was also associated with higher odds of EBF (cOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.29–3.23, p = 0.002). Poor maternal health was inversely related to EBF, with those in poor health having significantly reduced odds (cOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.06–0.79, p = 0.021). Mothers who reported family support had a higher likelihood of EBF (cOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 3.52–9.78, p < 0.001), and similarly, those with community support showed greater odds of EBF (cOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 3.03–8.41, p < 0.001). Other significant factors included accessibility to health centers (cOR = 79.5, 95% CI: 35.22–179.57, p < 0.001), attendance at healthcare programs (cOR = 15.4, 95% CI: 7.98–29.82, p < 0.001), and the perceived importance of EBF (cOR = 29.8, 95% CI: 7.18–123.35, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, certain factors remained significantly associated with Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). Mothers with primary education had higher odds of EBF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.01–9.20, p = 0.049), while grand multiparous mothers still had lower odds compared to multiparous mothers (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.12–0.81, p = 0.016). Family support (aOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.13–4.31, p = 0.020) and community support (aOR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.68–6.23, p < 0.001) continued to show positive independent associations with EBF. Attendance at healthcare programs remained strongly associated with EBF (aOR = 10.5, 95% CI: 4.45–24.75, p < 0.001). Lastly, the perceived importance of EBF continued to be a significant predictor of its practice (aOR = 22.1, 95% CI: 4.05–120.20, p < 0.001). Table 2 Factors associated with EBF among mothers attending postnatal and YCC clinics of GRRH Variables ALL N = 423 Freq (%) EBF cOR (95%CI) P value aOR (95%CI) P value NO N = 222 Freq (%) YES N = 152 Freq (%) Age class Teenage mothers 60 (14.2) 43 (71.7) 17 (28.3) 1 1 Adult mothers 363 (85.8) 228 (62.8) 135 (37.2) 1.5 (0.82–2.73 0.188 1.9 (0.77–4.56) 0.166 Educational background No formal education 44 (10.4) 38 (86.4) 6 (13.6) 1 1 Primary education 97 (22.9) 64 (66.0) 33 (34.0) 3.3 (1.25–8.52) 0.016 3.0 (1.01–9.20) 0.049 Secondary education 130 (30.7) 78 (60.0) 52 (40.0) 4.2 (1.66–10.71) 0.002 2.9 (0.94–8.63) 0.063 Tertiary education 152 (35.9) 91 (59.9) 61 (40.1) 4.2 (1.69–10.67) 0.002 1.6 (0.57–4.78) 0.359 Parity Primiparous 138 (32.6) 77 (55.8) 61 (44.2) 1.2 (0.78–1.87) 0.397 1.3 (0.77–2.94) 0.239 Multiparus 207 (48.9) 125 (60.4) 82 (39.6) 1 1 Grand multiparous 78 (18.4) 69 (88.5) 9 (11.5) 0.2 (0.09–0.42) < 0.001 0.3 (0.12–0.81) 0.016 Marital status Divorced 23 (5.4) 20 (66.7) 10 (33.3) 1 Widowed 9 (2.1) 230 (63.7) 131 (36.3) 1.1 (0.52–2.51) 0.746 N/A Marital 36 (85.3) 15 (65.2) 8 (34.8) 1.1 (0.34–3.36) 0.912 Single 30 (7.1) 6 (66.7) 3 (33.3) 1.0 (0.21–4.86) 1.000 Residence Rural 128 (30.3) 96 (75.0) 32 (25.0) 1 1 Urban 295 (69.7) 175 (59.3) 120 (40.7) 2.1 (1.29–3.23) 0.002 0.7 (0.33–1.38) 0.278 Mother Overall health Excellent 12 (2.8) 18 (100) 0 (0) 1 1 Fair 90 (21.3) 64 (71.1) 26 (28.9) 0.1 (0.03–0.54) 0.005 0.3 (0.06–1.13) 0.075 Good 303 (71.6) 186 (61.4) 117 (38.6) 0.2 (0.06–0.79) 0.021 0.4 (0.09–1.52) 0.168 Poor 18 (4.3) 3 (25.0) 9 (75.0) NA N/A Illness during pregnancy No 98 (23.2) 50 (51.0) 48 (49.0) 2.0 (1.29–3.23) 0.002 1.8 (0.94–3.54) 0.75 Yes 325 (76.8) 221 (68.0) 104 (32.0) 1 1 Employment status Unemployed Employed 134 (31.7) 289 (68.3) 81 (60.5) 190 (65.7) 53 (39.5) 99 (34.3) 1.3 (0.82–1.92) 1 0.292 N/A Cultural beliefs No Yes 414 (97.9) 9 (2.1) 265 (64.0) 6 (66.7) 149 (36.0) 39 (33.3) 1.1 (0.28–4.57) 1 0.870 N/A Family support No support Support present 157 (37.1) 266 (62.9) 136 (51.1) 135 (86.0) 130 (48.9) 22 (14.0) 1 5.9 (3.52–9.78) < 0.001 1 2.2 (1.13–4.31) 0.020 Spouse support No Yes 54 (12.8) 369 (87.2) 37 (68.5) 234 (63.4) 17 (31.5) 135 (36.6) 1 1.3 (0.68–2.31) 0.467 N/A Community support No Yes 147 (34.7) 276 (65.3) 125 (85.0) 146 (52.9) 22 (15.0) 130 (47.1) 1 5.1 (3.03–8.41) < 0.001 1 3.2 (1.68–6.23) < 0.001 Access to clean water No Yes 18 (4.3) 405 (95.7) 16 (88.9) 255 (63.0) 2 (11.1) 150 (37.0) 1 4.7 (1.07–20.79) 0.041 1 3.9 (0.88–17.63) 0.073 Breastfeeding spaces No Yes 10 (2.4) 413 (97.6) 7 (70.0) 264 (63.9) 3 (30.0) 149 (36.1) 1 1.3 (0.33–5.18) 0.693 N/A Infant overall health Excellent Fair Good Poor 28 (6.6) 65 (15.4) 313 (74.0) 17 (4.0) 12 (70.6) 45 (69.2) 199 (63.6) 15 (53.6) 5 (29.4) 20 (30.8) 114 (36.4) 13 (46.4) 1 1.1 (0.33–3.44) 1.4 (0.47–4.01) 2.1 (0.58–7.50) 0.914 0.560 0.263 N/A Infant illness No Yes 67 (15.8) 356 (84.2) 44 (65.7) 227 (63.8) 23 (34.3) 129 (36.2) 1 1.1 (0.63–1 88) 0.766 N/A Gestational age Full term Preterm 333 (78.7) 90 (21.3) 63 (70.0) 208 (62.5) 27 (30.0) 125 (37.5) 1 1.4 (0.83–2.32) 0.188 N/A Feeds to the baby No Yes 13 (3.1) 410 (96.9) 9 (69.2) 262 (63.9) 4 (30.7) 148 (36.1) 1 1.3 (0.38–4.20) 0.694 N/A Intention to EBF No 222 (52.5) 215 (96.9) 7 (3.1) 1 N/A Yes 201 (47.5) 56 (27.7) 145 (72.1) 1.3 (0.38–4.20) 0.694 Distance to health centre Not accessible 202 (47.7) 118 (53.4) 103 (46.6) 1 1 Accessible 221 (52.3) 153 (75.7) 49 (24.3) 79.5 (35.22–179.57) < 0.001 0.7 (0.41–1.31) 0.294 Attendance to health care programmes No 159 (37.6) 148 (93.1) 11 (6.9) 1 1 Yes 264 (62.4) 123 (46.6) 141 (53.4) 15.4 (7.98–29.82) < 0.001 10.5 (4.45–24.75) < 0.001 ANC visits 1–4 visit 107 (25.3) 4 (66.7) 2 (33.3) 1 N/A 5–7 visits 272 (64.3) 86 (80.4) 21 (19.3) 0.5 (0.84–2.85) 0.426 8 and more 38 (9.0) 161 (59.2) 111 (40.8) 1.4 (0.25–7.67) 0.714 Did not attend ANC 6 (1.4) 20 (52.6) 18 (47.4) 1.8 (0.29–11.05) 0.526 Overall health in pregnancy Excellent 12 (2.8) 15 (83.3) 3 (16.7) 1 1 Fair 67 (15.8) 49 (73.1) 18 (26.9) 1.8 (0.47–7.11) 0.379 2.1 (0.38–11.25) 0.403 Good 326 (77.1) 203 (62.3) 123 (37.7) 3.0 (0.85–10.69) 0.085 1.3 (0.29–6.33) 0.709 Poor 18 (4.3) 4 (33.3) 8 (66.7) 10 (1.78–56.26) 0.009 5.0 (0.72–33.99) 0.104 Mode of delivery for the last born c\s 106 (25.1) 199 (62.8) 118 (37.2) 1 N/A SVD 317 (74.9) 72 (67.9) 34 (32.1) 1.9 (0.82–4.56) 0.130 Place of delivery for the last born Health centre 403 (95.3) 8 (80.0) 2 (20.0) 1 Home 10 (2.4) 9 (90.0) 1 (10.0) 0.4 (0.03–5.90) 0.539 Traditional birth 10 (2.4) 254 (63.0) 149 (34.0) 2.3 (0.49–11.21) 0.285 N/A Attendant Perceived importance of EBF No 79 (18.7) 77 (97.5) 2 (2.5) 1 1 Yes 344 (81.3) 194 (56.4) 150 (43.6) 29.8 (7.18–123.35) < 0.001 22.1 (4.05–120.20) < 0.001 Discussion The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers attending postnatal and Young Child Clinic (YCC) services at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) was found to be 35.9%. This figure is lower than the World Health Organization's recommended EBF rate of at least 50% by six months and suggests that a considerable number of mothers are not exclusively breastfeeding, potentially limiting the health benefits for both infants and mothers. This low prevalence aligns with numerous studies conducted in various global settings, which have consistently reported suboptimal EBF rates. For instance, Kimuli et al. (2023) found a similar trend in 77 districts of Uganda, with EBF rates averaging at 62.3%. Studies in other low- and middle-income countries have reported comparable rates. In Ethiopia, for example, the EBF rate was found to be 60% (Tadesse et al., 2019), whereas in Ghana, the rate was 52% (Dadzie et al., 2023). These findings emphasize a persistent challenge in achieving optimal breastfeeding practices worldwide, particularly in regions with limited resources and support systems. The low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in this study population (35.9%) can be attributed to several specific barriers. Notably, limited maternal education and lack of structured breastfeeding support systems emerged as significant challenges. Similar findings have been reported in other Ugandan studies, such as Nabunya et al. (2020), who found that economic pressures often force mothers in informal employment to return to work early, leading to premature cessation of EBF. Additionally, socio-cultural norms and misconceptions around breastfeeding, such as beliefs that infants require water or other supplements alongside breast milk, have been identified as contributing factors (UBOS, 2016). The lack of awareness and inconsistent access to healthcare programs that educate mothers on breastfeeding benefits further exacerbate the issue, as highlighted by Kimuli et al. (2023) in their study across 77 Ugandan districts. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing education, workplace policies, and cultural beliefs to improve EBF rates in this population. We identified education level, parity, social support, and health program attendance as significant factors influencing EBF, and this is consistent with previous research. Several studies have highlighted the positive association between maternal education and EBF practices. Nabunya et al. (2020) found that mothers with higher education levels were more likely to practice EBF in Kampala, Uganda. Similarly, Tadesse et al. (2019) reported that educated mothers in Ethiopia exhibited better EBF practices. This positive correlation can be attributed to the increased awareness of EBF benefits and the improved decision-making abilities among educated mothers. Educated mothers are more likely to access and comprehend information on the advantages of EBF, which in turn influences their breastfeeding practices. Conversely, the negative impact of grand multiparity on EBF has been reported in other studies. Tadesse et al. (2019) found that grand multiparous women in Ethiopia were less likely to practice EBF compared to multiparous women. This may be due to factors such as fatigue, competing demands, and adherence to traditional feeding practices acquired from previous births. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by grand multiparous mothers, enabling them to adopt and sustain EBF practices. The role of social support in promoting EBF has been well-documented. Dadzie et al. (2023) emphasized the importance of family and community support in facilitating EBF among mothers in Ghana. Social support can provide encouragement, practical assistance, and emotional support, which are crucial for breastfeeding success. Family members, including partners and grandparents, can play a vital role in supporting mothers by sharing childcare responsibilities, providing moral support, and helping to create a conducive environment for breastfeeding. Community support, including support groups and peer counselors, can offer valuable information and reinforcement of breastfeeding practices. Moreover, regular attendance at health programs has been shown to improve breastfeeding knowledge and practices. Kimuli et al. (2023) highlighted that mothers who attended health programs were more likely to practice EBF in Uganda. Health programs such as community health education talks provide mothers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to initiate and sustain EBF. They also offer opportunities for mothers to interact with healthcare professionals and peers, fostering a supportive community that reinforces positive breastfeeding behaviors. Our finding that mothers' perception of EBF's importance is the strongest predictor of EBF aligns with the theory of planned behavior. This theory suggests that individuals' intentions to perform a behavior are influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Mothers who perceive EBF as important are more likely to engage in and sustain the practice. Interventions targeting mothers' beliefs and attitudes about EBF can effectively promote EBF practices. Educational campaigns that highlight the health benefits of EBF for both infants and mothers, along with the long-term positive outcomes, can help shift attitudes and enhance the perceived value of EBF. Community-wide initiatives that involve influential figures and create supportive norms around EBF can further reinforce positive behaviors. Additionally, addressing perceived barriers to EBF, such as concerns about milk supply, work-related challenges, and social stigma, can enhance mothers' confidence and ability to practice EBF. Conclusion This study reveals a suboptimal prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at GRRH and identifies key predictors of EBF practices. Factors such as primary education, family and community support, healthcare program attendance, and perceived importance of EBF significantly influence breastfeeding behaviors. Enhancing education and support systems for mothers could potentially improve EBF rates and contribute to better health outcomes for infants and mothers. Recommendations To increase EBF prevalence, health policies should prioritize educational campaigns tailored to mothers with different educational backgrounds to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the benefits of EBF. Health facilities could implement family-centered interventions that engage partners and extended family members to create a supportive environment for mothers. Additionally, healthcare program attendance should be encouraged through targeted outreach and improved access to services, particularly for mothers with multiple children or limited time. Finally, incorporating discussions on the benefits and importance of EBF in maternal and child health programs could reshape mothers' perceptions, potentially increasing the practice's adoption. Limitations of the Study This study has some limitations. Firstly, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between associated factors and EBF practice. The findings may also be influenced by self-reported data, which is susceptible to social desirability and recall biases. Additionally, the study setting within a healthcare facility might not fully capture the practices of mothers who do not regularly attend postnatal or YCC services, possibly affecting the generalizability of the results to the broader community. Future studies could address these limitations by employing longitudinal designs and including mothers from more diverse settings. Declarations We obtained ethical approval and clearance letter from Gulu University Research and Ethics Committee (GUREC-2924-798), which was presented to the Director of Gulu regional referral hospital to seek administrative clearance. A private and comfortable room was acquired and used during the process of data collection to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Informed consent was obtained from all respondents and participation was free and voluntary. Participants were assured of their freedom to withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty. Confidentiality of the information collected was observed by using numbers and not names. Participants were informed that no forms of monetary benefits were provided by the study, however, their questions regarding exclusive breastfeeding were answered appropriately and they were compensated with a bottle of drink of their choice for their time. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge the participants and the dedicated research assistant, and the staff nurses working in immunization clinic of GRRH for making this work possible. Author contributions All authors contributed to the study conception and design, material preparation and data collection, while data analysis was performed by D.O. All authors contributed towards writing and revising all versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. H.A is a senior author. Funding This work received no formal funding and all funds were mobilized internally by the authors. Data availability The dataset is available upon reasonable request from the first author (Donald Otika). Consent to Publish Consent to Publish declaration: not applicable References Niwandinda J. Student ’ s Journal of Health Research Africa Student ’ s. J Health Res Afr. 6, (2025). Akre J. Infant feeding. The physiological basis. Bull World Health Organ. 1989;67(Suppl):1–108. Masi AC, Stewart CJ. Role of breastfeeding in disease prevention. Microb Biotechnol. 2024;17:e14520. Isaacs EB, et al. Impact of breast milk on intelligence quotient, brain size, and white matter development. Pediatr Res. 2010;67:357–62. Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Breastfeeding’s protective role in alleviating ovarian cancer burden: a comprehensive review. Ann Med Surg 86, (2024). Stuebe A. The risks of not breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2:222–31. Walters D, Eberwein JD, Sullivan LM, D’Alimonte MR, Shekar M. Reaching the Global Target to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding: How Much Will It Cost and How Can We Pay for It? Breastfeed Med Off J Acad Breastfeed Med. 2016;11:413–5. Kramer MS, et al. Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): a randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus. JAMA. 2001;285:413–20. Abdulla F, Hossain MM, Karimuzzaman M, Ali M, Rahman A. Likelihood of infectious diseases due to lack of exclusive breastfeeding among infants in Bangladesh. PLoS ONE. 2022;17:e0263890. Sande A. Why We All Need to Work Together to Prioritize Breastfeeding. China CDC Wkly. 2025;7:1011–3. Jama A, et al. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and its associated factors among children age 6–24 months in Burao district, Somaliland. Int Breastfeed J. 2020;15:5. Amzat J, et al. Sociocultural context of exclusive breastfeeding in Africa: A narrative review. Heal Sci Rep. 2024;7:e2115. Engebretsen IMS, et al. Early infant feeding practices in three African countries: the PROMISE-EBF trial promoting exclusive breastfeeding by peer counsellors. Int Breastfeed J. 2014;9:19. Mihrshahi S, Oddy WH, Peat JK, Kabir I. Association between infant feeding patterns and diarrhoeal and respiratory illness: A cohort study in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Int Breastfeed J. 2008;3:28. Bain LE, et al. Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: burden, causes and prospects. Pan Afr Med J. 2013;15:120. Feeding YC. Policy Guidelines on Infant and. (2012). Nabunya P, Mubeezi R, Awor P. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in the informal sector, Kampala Uganda. PLoS ONE. 2020;15:e0239062. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8434800","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":569016568,"identity":"9b755380-8a6d-4953-83ae-539b133cb267","order_by":0,"name":"Donald Otika","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA/ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCA0D8gI2BgQ3E+VBhAyQZGw8Q1JIA1cI440waiGogTgsIMPO2HYYL4gR8x3sPfkgou5PPJ9388OHMtvN2a9sPA22psYnGpUXyzLlkiYRzzyzbZI4ZG3w4dzt525lEoJZjabkNOLQY3MgxkEhsO2zAJpHDJjmj7Hay2QGgFsaGw/i0GP+AamH/zcN2Ltns/EOCWszgtjDztB2wM7tBwBbJM2fMLIB+AWpJM5accSY5wewG0JYEPH7hO95jfOND2R0D+RnJDz98qLCzNzuf/vDBhxobnFqg4ACclQhWmYBfOaoWe8KKR8EoGAWjYKQBAMZ/aqOQ164EAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Gulu University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Donald","middleName":"","lastName":"Otika","suffix":""},{"id":569016569,"identity":"e162598e-1d7c-43d9-9b6d-20d2e5e49827","order_by":1,"name":"Mark Ssemakula","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gulu 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07:42:26","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1669271,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8434800/v1/a95d515e-af3b-45ab-bcb3-0e0c6a481dba.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending the Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Northern Uganda","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as when an infant from 0 to 6 months receives only breast milk, no other liquids or solids are given not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreast milk is a natural food that serves as a complete source of infant nutrition for the first six months of life. It contains all the necessary nutrients provided in a bioavailable and easily digestible form, protecting both mothers and children against illnesses and diseases with immunological properties\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond the benefits that breastfeeding confers to the mother-child relationship, breastfeeding lowers the incidence of many childhood illnesses, such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes mellitus, malocclusion, and diarrhea\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Also, breastfeeding supports healthy brain development and is associated with higher performance on intelligence tests among children and adolescents\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the frequency of hemorrhage, postpartum depression, breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as facilitating weight loss, and lactation amenorrhea for postpartum family planning\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExclusive breastfeeding is therefore an important public health strategy for improving children\u0026rsquo;s and mother\u0026rsquo;s health by reducing child morbidity and mortality. All babies below 6 months should be exclusively breast fed in order to avoid several complications that could arise, and breastfeeding should begin within one hour after birth\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The World Health Organization (2010) and UNICEF (2013) recommend that all mothers should breast feed their children exclusively for the first six months of life. The World Health Assembly (WHA) also set a global target in order to increase the rate of EBF for infants aged 0\u0026ndash;6 months up to at least 50% in 2012\u0026ndash;2025\u003csup\u003e7\u003c/sup\u003e. Every year, optimal breastfeeding practices can prevent about 1.4\u0026nbsp;million deaths worldwide among children under five\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobally, Infant and childhood morbidity and mortality is becoming a major result of not breastfeeding exclusively. It is believed to be responsible for 10% of the global disease burden\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Additionally, about 48% of infants are exclusively breastfed annually, and this is expected to rise to 50% by 2025\u003csup\u003e10\u003c/sup\u003e. Although the rates of EBF for the past two decades have been increasing, it is still a long road to achieve the 100% global target coverage recommended by UNICEF\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Africa, early and abrupt cessation of BF followed by an introduction of dirty and unsound artificial feeding of infants is a common practice that makes children more vulnerable to infection with different pathogens\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Infants who have not been breast fed exclusively face future health challenges. These problems cause a decrease in the full absorption of nutrients from breastmilk; predispose them to diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn sub-Saharan Africa, the high statistics of weight loss; malnutrition; poor academic performance; decreased productivity; impaired cognitive, and social development are largely attributed to non-exclusive breastfeeding (UNICEF, 2019), and these challenges are even worse in developing countries like Uganda\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the national policy guidelines of Uganda on infant and young child feeding emphasized that all babies below 6 months should be exclusively breast fed\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Although over 90% of children in Uganda are breastfed at some point, the percentage of children exclusively breastfed decreases sharply with age from 83% in infants 0\u0026ndash;1 month to 69% among those 2\u0026ndash;3 months and further to 43% among infants aged 4\u0026ndash;5 months\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This translates into 36% of Ugandan children below 6 months not being breastfed exclusively despite its active promotion\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This study therefore aims to explore the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its Predictors among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eObjectives of the Study\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo evaluate the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending immunization clinic of GRRH.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study by collecting data at a single point in time from a representative sample. In this study, we adopted quantitative techniques, presenting the data using figures and percentages. This design was projected to be suitable for our research objectives. Descriptive statistics (such as mean, median, and standard deviation) allowed us to summarize and describe sample characteristics.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Setting\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e We conducted this study from the immunization clinic at Gulu regional referral hospital, located in Gulu city, northern Uganda. Gulu city is the commercial and administrative center of Gulu district. The coordinates of the city of Gulu are 2\u0026deg;46'54.0\"N 32\u0026deg;17'57.0\"E. The city's distance from Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city, is 333 kilometers (207mi) by road.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGulu regional referral hospital is a government hospital located in the center of Gulu city. The hospital is run by a hospital director, supported by a multi-disciplinary team. The hospital has various departments, including obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, specialized clinics, and many others, and has a total bed capacity of 370 beds. We conducted this study from the immunization clinic of Gulu regional referral hospital, which was proposed to provide a big pool of potential respondents for sampling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Population\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur study targeted mothers with babies of 6 months to one year at Gulu regional referral hospital during the time of data collection. We particularly chose to conduct this study among babies of 6 months to 1year; by considering this age group, we were able to ascertain the real picture of babies who have been exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInclusion Criteria\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly mothers with children between 6 months to1 year were included in the study. Only mothers who consented to the study were included.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExclusion Criteria\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMothers with any forms of mental illness were not to be included in the study. We planned to appropriately link all potential respondents who will unfortunately have any forms of mental illness to the psychiatric unit within the hospital. However, we did not encounter any.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSample Size Determination\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe used the Kish and Lisle (1965) formula for calculation of sample size for an unknown population. At 95% confidence interval, we used an error of 5%, alpha risk expressed in z score of 1.96 and proportion of 50%.\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:n=\\frac{{z}^{2}pq}{{d}^{2}}$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewhere; n is sample size, z is the alpha risk (1.96), p is the proportion (50%), q is 1 \u0026ndash; p (0.5), d is the margin of error (0.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003en\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;385.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe added 10% of this in order to cater for non respondence.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003en\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;424 Participants.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSampling Method\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e We employed a convenience sampling method to select mothers with children aged 6 months to one year who are attending immunization services at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (Gulu RRH) during the study period. Convenience sampling involved selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate. In other words, we included individuals who are readily accessible to the researcher. Researchers chose convenience sampling because it was convenient in terms of practicality and accessibility. It works well when the population is homogeneous (similar in characteristics). For example, our study involved a specific group of patients in a hospital, convenience sampling allows quick access to those patients.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eResearch Instruments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe developed a semi structured questionnaire including both open and closed ended questions. The tool collected information on demographic characteristics of respondents, exclusive breast- feeding practices and factors that influence exclusive breast feeding. The tool exported into Kobo toolbox installed in mobile phone devices which were used for data collection. We had a one- day training of members who were involved in data collection for acquaintance with the tool and kobo toolbox application. The tool was then administered by a research assistant (interviewer-administered).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection Procedures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe investigators carried out the collection of data. Upon identifying potential respondents, we explained the purpose of the study to each of the respondents identified, and obtained an informed written consent. We then administered the electronic tool and saved in Kobo Toolbox mobile application. We obtained a quiet and comfortable place within the hospital for purposes of carrying out data collection to ensure confidentiality of results.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Management\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data captured in the phone was regularly saved to avoid loss of data. We safely kept the devices under key and lock before and after data collection, and limited access.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Analysis Plan\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData was exported to STATA version 17 for cleaning and analysis. For objective 1, the proportion was the number of babies above 6 months of age who have been exclusively breastfed for 6 complete months, for objective 2, the proportion was the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. We performed Pearson\u0026rsquo;s chi-square and Fisher\u0026rsquo;s exact tests at bivariate analysis. The level of significance was set at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. We then performed modified Poisson regression analysis for multi-variable logistic regressions on variables with P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.2to assess associations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSociodemographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e summaries the social demographics of respondents. The median age of mothers was 26 years (IQR: 22\u0026ndash;32), with mothers above 18 years (85.8%) making up the majority of the study population, while teenage mothers represented 14.2%. Educational background varied among respondents, with most mothers having attained secondary (30.7%) or tertiary education (35.9%), while a smaller proportion (10.4%) had no formal education. The marital status of respondents showed that a large majority were married (85.3%), with smaller proportions being single, divorced, or widowed. More than half the respondents, 69.7% of respondents living in urban areas, while 68.3% of the mothers were employed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mothers rated their overall health positively, with 71.6% describing it as good and only 4.3% reporting poor health. Illness during pregnancy was reported by 76.8% of respondents, in terms of social support, 87.2% of mothers reported receiving spousal support, while 65.3% benefited from community support. Additionally, nearly all mothers (97.6%) had access to designated breastfeeding spaces, while 95.7% reported access to clean water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeneral characteristics of the respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003efrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epercentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e (median, IQR), years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u0026ndash;32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge class\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTeenage mothers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdult mothers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e363\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducational background\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eParity (\u003c/b\u003emedian, IQR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eParity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimi parous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultiparous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e207\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand multiparous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e361\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003esingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResidence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e295\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother Overall health\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent Fair Good\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e303\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllness during pregnancy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e325\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e289\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMonthly salary (median, IQR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUg shs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e300,000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;500,000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCultural beliefs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e414\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFamily support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo support\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupport present\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpouse support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eyes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e369\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommunity support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabb\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAccess to clean water\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e405\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding spaces\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e413\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInfant overall health\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent Fair Good\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e313\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInfant illness\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e356\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTerm\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull term\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreterm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e333\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge of baby (median, IQR),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003emonths\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFeeds to the baby\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e410\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge to introduce other feeds\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(median, IQR), months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEBF\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eyes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e271\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntention to EBF\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e222\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e201\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAccessibility to health center\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot accessible\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccessible\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e202\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e221\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistance to nearest health centre\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(median, IQR), km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAttendance to health care programmes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e159\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e264\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eANC visits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;4 visits\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;7 visits\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 and more\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDid not attend ANC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e272\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverall health in pregnancy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent Fair\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabd\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMode of delivery for the last born\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\\s\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSVD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e317\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlace of delivery for the last born\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth center Home\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraditional birth attendant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e403\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerceived importance of EBF\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e344\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003ePrevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending postnatal and YCC clinics at GRRH\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe found out that the prevalence of EBF among mothers attending postnatal and YCC at GRRH is 35.9% (95%CI 31.48\u0026ndash;40.64), (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;152/423), which is lower than the World Health Organization's recommended EBF rate of at least 50% by six months. Similarly, global estimates show that only about 46% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life (Zong et al., 2021) Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e summaries factors associated with exclusive breast feeding among study participants. At bivalent level Pearsons\u0026rsquo;s chi-square was used to determine factors associated with EBF. Factors with p-values\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Factors with p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.2 were included in multi- variable logistic regression for independent association. Level of significance was maintained at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the bivariate analysis, multiple factors were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Mothers with primary (crude odds ratios [cOR] 3.3, 95% CI: 1.25\u0026ndash;8.52, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.016), secondary (cOR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.66\u0026ndash;10.71, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002), and tertiary (cOR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.69\u0026ndash;10.67, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002) education had higher odds of practicing EBF compared to those without formal education. Grand multiparous mothers had lower odds of EBF compared to multiparous mothers (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.2, 95% CI: 0.09\u0026ndash;0.42, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Residence in urban areas was also associated with higher odds of EBF (cOR\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e=\u0026thinsp;2.1, 95% CI: 1.29\u0026ndash;3.23, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002). Poor maternal health was inversely related to EBF, with those in poor health having significantly reduced odds (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.2, 95% CI: 0.06\u0026ndash;0.79, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021). Mothers who reported family support had a higher likelihood of EBF (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.9, 95% CI: 3.52\u0026ndash;9.78, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and similarly, those with community support showed greater odds of EBF (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.1, 95% CI: 3.03\u0026ndash;8.41, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Other significant factors included accessibility to health centers (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;79.5, 95% CI: 35.22\u0026ndash;179.57, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), attendance at healthcare programs (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15.4, 95% CI: 7.98\u0026ndash;29.82, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and the perceived importance of EBF (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29.8, 95% CI: 7.18\u0026ndash;123.35, p\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the multivariable analysis, certain factors remained significantly associated with Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). Mothers with primary education had higher odds of EBF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.0, 95% CI: 1.01\u0026ndash;9.20, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.049), while grand multiparous mothers still had lower odds compared to multiparous mothers (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.3, 95% CI: 0.12\u0026ndash;0.81, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.016). Family support (aOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.13\u0026ndash;4.31, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.020) and community support (aOR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.68\u0026ndash;6.23, p\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) continued to show positive independent associations with EBF. Attendance at healthcare programs remained strongly associated with EBF (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10.5, 95% CI: 4.45\u0026ndash;24.75, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Lastly, the perceived importance of EBF continued to be a significant predictor of its practice (aOR\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e=\u0026thinsp;22.1, 95% CI: 4.05\u0026ndash;120.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactors associated with EBF among mothers attending postnatal and YCC clinics of GRRH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eALL N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;423\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreq (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEBF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ecOR (95%CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eaOR (95%CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNO N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;222\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreq (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYES N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;152\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreq (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge class\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTeenage mothers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 (14.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43 (71.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (28.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdult mothers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e363 (85.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228 (62.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e135 (37.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.82\u0026ndash;2.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9 (0.77\u0026ndash;4.56)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.166\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducational background\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44 (10.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38 (86.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (13.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97 (22.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64 (66.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33 (34.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3 (1.25\u0026ndash;8.52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0 (1.01\u0026ndash;9.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130 (30.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78 (60.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52 (40.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2 (1.66\u0026ndash;10.71)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.9 (0.94\u0026ndash;8.63)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.063\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152 (35.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91 (59.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61 (40.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2 (1.69\u0026ndash;10.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.57\u0026ndash;4.78)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.359\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eParity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimiparous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e138 (32.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77 (55.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61 (44.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.78\u0026ndash;1.87)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.397\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.77\u0026ndash;2.94)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultiparus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e207 (48.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 (60.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82 (39.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabe\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand multiparous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78 (18.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69 (88.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (11.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2 (0.09\u0026ndash;0.42)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3 (0.12\u0026ndash;0.81)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23 (5.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (2.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e230 (63.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131 (36.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.52\u0026ndash;2.51)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.746\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36 (85.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 (65.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (34.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.34\u0026ndash;3.36)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.912\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30 (7.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.21\u0026ndash;4.86)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResidence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128 (30.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96 (75.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32 (25.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e295 (69.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e175 (59.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120 (40.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1 (1.29\u0026ndash;3.23)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.33\u0026ndash;1.38)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.278\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMother Overall health\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (2.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (100)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64 (71.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26 (28.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1 (0.03\u0026ndash;0.54)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3 (0.06\u0026ndash;1.13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e303 (71.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e186 (61.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e117 (38.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2 (0.06\u0026ndash;0.79)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4 (0.09\u0026ndash;1.52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (4.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (25.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (75.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllness during pregnancy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98 (23.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 (51.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48 (49.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.0 (1.29\u0026ndash;3.23)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.94\u0026ndash;3.54)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabf\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e325 (76.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e221 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104 (32.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134 (31.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e289 (68.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81 (60.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e190 (65.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53 (39.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e99 (34.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.82\u0026ndash;1.92)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.292\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCultural beliefs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e414 (97.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (2.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e265 (64.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149 (36.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e39 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.28\u0026ndash;4.57)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.870\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFamily support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo support\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupport present\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157 (37.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e266 (62.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e136 (51.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e135 (86.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130 (48.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (14.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.9 (3.52\u0026ndash;9.78)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.2 (1.13\u0026ndash;4.31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpouse support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54 (12.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e369 (87.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37 (68.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e234 (63.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (31.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e135 (36.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.68\u0026ndash;2.31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.467\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommunity support\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e147 (34.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e276 (65.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 (85.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e146 (52.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (15.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e130 (47.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.1 (3.03\u0026ndash;8.41)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.2 (1.68\u0026ndash;6.23)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAccess to clean water\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabg\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (4.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e405 (95.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 (88.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e255 (63.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (11.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e150 (37.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.7 (1.07\u0026ndash;20.79)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.041\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9 (0.88\u0026ndash;17.63)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.073\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding spaces\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (2.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e413 (97.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 (70.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e264 (63.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (30.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e149 (36.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.33\u0026ndash;5.18)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.693\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInfant overall health\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent Fair Good\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28 (6.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e65 (15.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e313 (74.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (4.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (70.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e45 (69.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e199 (63.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 (53.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (29.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 (30.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e114 (36.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (46.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.33\u0026ndash;3.44)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4 (0.47\u0026ndash;4.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1 (0.58\u0026ndash;7.50)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.914\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.560\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.263\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInfant illness\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67 (15.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e356 (84.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44 (65.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e227 (63.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23 (34.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e129 (36.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.63\u0026ndash;1 88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.766\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGestational age\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull term\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreterm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e333 (78.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e90 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63 (70.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e208 (62.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27 (30.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 (37.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4 (0.83\u0026ndash;2.32)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFeeds to the baby\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabh\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (3.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e410 (96.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (69.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e262 (63.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (30.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e148 (36.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.38\u0026ndash;4.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.694\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntention to EBF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e222 (52.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e215 (96.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 (3.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e201 (47.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (27.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e145 (72.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.38\u0026ndash;4.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.694\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDistance to health centre\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot accessible\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e202 (47.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118 (53.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103 (46.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccessible\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e221 (52.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153 (75.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49 (24.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.5 (35.22\u0026ndash;179.57)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.41\u0026ndash;1.31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.294\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAttendance to health care programmes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e159 (37.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e148 (93.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (6.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e264 (62.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123 (46.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141 (53.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4 (7.98\u0026ndash;29.82)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.5 (4.45\u0026ndash;24.75)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eANC visits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;4 visit\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107 (25.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;7 visits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e272 (64.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86 (80.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21 (19.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5 (0.84\u0026ndash;2.85)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.426\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 and more\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38 (9.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e161 (59.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111 (40.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4 (0.25\u0026ndash;7.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.714\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDid not attend ANC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (1.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 (52.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (47.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.29\u0026ndash;11.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.526\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverall health in pregnancy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabi\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (2.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 (83.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (16.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67 (15.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49 (73.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (26.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.47\u0026ndash;7.11)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1 (0.38\u0026ndash;11.25)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.403\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e326 (77.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e203 (62.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123 (37.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0 (0.85\u0026ndash;10.69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.085\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.29\u0026ndash;6.33)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.709\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (4.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (33.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (66.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (1.78\u0026ndash;56.26)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.0 (0.72\u0026ndash;33.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.104\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMode of delivery for the last born\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\\s\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106 (25.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e199 (62.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118 (37.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSVD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e317 (74.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72 (67.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34 (32.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9 (0.82\u0026ndash;4.56)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlace of delivery for the last born\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth centre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e403 (95.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (80.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (20.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHome\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (2.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (90.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 (10.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4 (0.03\u0026ndash;5.90)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.539\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraditional\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ebirth\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (2.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e254 (63.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149 (34.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3 (0.49\u0026ndash;11.21)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.285\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttendant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerceived importance of EBF\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79 (18.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77 (97.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e344 (81.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e194 (56.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150 (43.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.8 (7.18\u0026ndash;123.35)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.1 (4.05\u0026ndash;120.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers attending postnatal and Young Child Clinic (YCC) services at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) was found to be 35.9%. This figure is lower than the World Health Organization's recommended EBF rate of at least 50% by six months and suggests that a considerable number of mothers are not exclusively breastfeeding, potentially limiting the health benefits for both infants and mothers. This low prevalence aligns with numerous studies conducted in various global settings, which have consistently reported suboptimal EBF rates. For instance, Kimuli et al. (2023) found a similar trend in 77 districts of Uganda, with EBF rates averaging at 62.3%. Studies in other low- and middle-income countries have reported comparable rates. In Ethiopia, for example, the EBF rate was found to be 60% (Tadesse et al., 2019), whereas in Ghana, the rate was 52% (Dadzie et al., 2023). These findings emphasize a persistent challenge in achieving optimal breastfeeding practices worldwide, particularly in regions with limited resources and support systems. The low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in this study population (35.9%) can be attributed to several specific barriers. Notably, limited maternal education and lack of structured breastfeeding support systems emerged as significant challenges. Similar findings have been reported in other Ugandan studies, such as Nabunya et al. (2020), who found that economic pressures often force mothers in informal employment to return to work early, leading to premature cessation of EBF. Additionally, socio-cultural norms and misconceptions around breastfeeding, such as beliefs that infants require water or other supplements alongside breast milk, have been identified as contributing factors (UBOS, 2016). The lack of awareness and inconsistent access to healthcare programs that educate mothers on breastfeeding benefits further exacerbate the issue, as highlighted by Kimuli et al. (2023) in their study across 77 Ugandan districts. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing education, workplace policies, and cultural beliefs to improve EBF rates in this population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe identified education level, parity, social support, and health program attendance as significant factors influencing EBF, and this is consistent with previous research. Several studies have highlighted the positive association between maternal education and EBF practices. Nabunya et al. (2020) found that mothers with higher education levels were more likely to practice EBF in Kampala, Uganda. Similarly, Tadesse et al. (2019) reported that educated mothers in Ethiopia exhibited better EBF practices. This positive correlation can be attributed to the increased awareness of EBF benefits and the improved decision-making abilities among educated mothers. Educated mothers are more likely to access and comprehend information on the advantages of EBF, which in turn influences their breastfeeding practices. Conversely, the negative impact of grand multiparity on EBF has been reported in other studies. Tadesse et al. (2019) found that grand multiparous women in Ethiopia were less likely to practice EBF compared to multiparous women. This may be due to factors such as fatigue, competing demands, and adherence to traditional feeding practices acquired from previous births. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by grand multiparous mothers, enabling them to adopt and sustain EBF practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe role of social support in promoting EBF has been well-documented. Dadzie et al. (2023) emphasized the importance of family and community support in facilitating EBF among mothers in Ghana. Social support can provide encouragement, practical assistance, and emotional support, which are crucial for breastfeeding success. Family members, including partners and grandparents, can play a vital role in supporting mothers by sharing childcare responsibilities, providing moral support, and helping to create a conducive environment for breastfeeding. Community support, including support groups and peer counselors, can offer valuable information and reinforcement of breastfeeding practices. Moreover, regular attendance at health programs has been shown to improve breastfeeding knowledge and practices. Kimuli et al. (2023) highlighted that mothers who attended health programs were more likely to practice EBF in Uganda. Health programs such as community health education talks provide mothers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to initiate and sustain EBF. They also offer opportunities for mothers to interact with healthcare professionals and peers, fostering a supportive community that reinforces positive breastfeeding behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur finding that mothers' perception of EBF's importance is the strongest predictor of EBF aligns with the theory of planned behavior. This theory suggests that individuals' intentions to perform a behavior are influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Mothers who perceive EBF as important are more likely to engage in and sustain the practice. Interventions targeting mothers' beliefs and attitudes about EBF can effectively promote EBF practices. Educational campaigns that highlight the health benefits of EBF for both infants and mothers, along with the long-term positive outcomes, can help shift attitudes and enhance the perceived value of EBF. Community-wide initiatives that involve influential figures and create supportive norms around EBF can further reinforce positive behaviors. Additionally, addressing perceived barriers to EBF, such as concerns about milk supply, work-related challenges, and social stigma, can enhance mothers' confidence and ability to practice EBF.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis study reveals a suboptimal prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at GRRH and identifies key predictors of EBF practices. Factors such as primary education, family and community support, healthcare program attendance, and perceived importance of EBF significantly influence breastfeeding behaviors. Enhancing education and support systems for mothers could potentially improve EBF rates and contribute to better health outcomes for infants and mothers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eRecommendations\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo increase EBF prevalence, health policies should prioritize educational campaigns tailored to mothers with different educational backgrounds to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the benefits of EBF. Health facilities could implement family-centered interventions that engage partners and extended family members to create a supportive environment for mothers. Additionally, healthcare program attendance should be encouraged through targeted outreach and improved access to services, particularly for mothers with multiple children or limited time. Finally, incorporating discussions on the benefits and importance of EBF in maternal and child health programs could reshape mothers\u0026apos; perceptions, potentially increasing the practice\u0026apos;s adoption.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eLimitations of the Study\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis study has some limitations. Firstly, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between associated factors and EBF practice. The findings may also be influenced by self-reported data, which is susceptible to social desirability and recall biases. Additionally, the study setting within a healthcare facility might not fully capture the practices of mothers who do not regularly attend postnatal or YCC services, possibly affecting the generalizability of the results to the broader community. Future studies could address these limitations by employing longitudinal designs and including mothers from more diverse settings.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003eWe obtained ethical approval and clearance letter from Gulu University Research and Ethics Committee (GUREC-2924-798), which was presented to the Director of Gulu regional referral hospital to seek administrative clearance. A private and comfortable room was acquired and used during the process of data collection to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Informed consent was obtained from all respondents and participation was free and voluntary. Participants were assured of their freedom to withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty. Confidentiality of the information collected was observed by using numbers and not names. Participants were informed that no forms of monetary benefits were provided by the study, however, their questions regarding exclusive breastfeeding were answered appropriately and they were compensated with a bottle of drink of their choice for their time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors acknowledge the participants and the dedicated research assistant, and the staff nurses working in immunization clinic of GRRH for making this work possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design, material preparation and data collection, while data analysis was performed by D.O. All authors contributed towards writing and revising all versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. H.A is a senior author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work received no formal funding and all funds were mobilized internally by the authors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dataset is available upon reasonable request from the first author (Donald Otika).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsent to Publish declaration: not applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNiwandinda J. Student \u0026rsquo; s Journal of Health Research Africa Student \u0026rsquo; s. J Health Res Afr. 6, (2025).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkre J. Infant feeding. The physiological basis. Bull World Health Organ. 1989;67(Suppl):1\u0026ndash;108.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMasi AC, Stewart CJ. Role of breastfeeding in disease prevention. Microb Biotechnol. 2024;17:e14520.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsaacs EB, et al. Impact of breast milk on intelligence quotient, brain size, and white matter development. Pediatr Res. 2010;67:357\u0026ndash;62.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Breastfeeding\u0026rsquo;s protective role in alleviating ovarian cancer burden: a comprehensive review. Ann Med Surg 86, (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStuebe A. The risks of not breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2:222\u0026ndash;31.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalters D, Eberwein JD, Sullivan LM, D\u0026rsquo;Alimonte MR, Shekar M. Reaching the Global Target to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding: How Much Will It Cost and How Can We Pay for It? Breastfeed Med Off J Acad Breastfeed Med. 2016;11:413\u0026ndash;5.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKramer MS, et al. Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): a randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus. JAMA. 2001;285:413\u0026ndash;20.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbdulla F, Hossain MM, Karimuzzaman M, Ali M, Rahman A. Likelihood of infectious diseases due to lack of exclusive breastfeeding among infants in Bangladesh. PLoS ONE. 2022;17:e0263890.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSande A. Why We All Need to Work Together to Prioritize Breastfeeding. China CDC Wkly. 2025;7:1011\u0026ndash;3.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJama A, et al. 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Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: burden, causes and prospects. Pan Afr Med J. 2013;15:120.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding YC. Policy Guidelines on Infant and. (2012).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNabunya P, Mubeezi R, Awor P. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in the informal sector, Kampala Uganda. PLoS ONE. 2020;15:e0239062.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8434800/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8434800/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground: \u003c/strong\u003eExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a critical public health strategy for reducing child morbidity and mortality and improving maternal health. Despite its recognized benefits, the global and national prevalence of EBF remains below recommended levels. In Uganda, EBF rates decrease significantly as infants age, contributing to preventable health complications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of EBF among mothers attending the immunization clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eA hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July and October 2024, among 424 mothers with infants aged 6–12 months at GRRH. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 17. We obtained an ethical approval and clearance from Gulu University Research and Ethics Committee. We used convenience sampling method to obtain mothers having children of 6 months to one year of age attending postnatal and immunization during the time of the study at Gulu RRH. Ethical approval and Informed consent was obtained from all respondents and participation was free and voluntary. We obtained a quiet and private room for carrying out data collection. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize EBF prevalence, while bivariate and multivariate analyses identified significant predictors of EBF.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eThe prevalence of EBF was 35.9% (95% CI: 31.48–40.64). Factors positively associated with EBF included maternal education (primary: aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.01–9.20), family support (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.13–4.31), community support (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.68–6.23), attendance at healthcare programs (aOR = 10.5, 95% CI: 4.45–24.75), and perceived importance of EBF (aOR\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e= 22.1, 95% CI: 4.05–120.20). Grand multiparity and poor maternal health negatively influenced EBF.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eThe prevalence of EBF at GRRH is suboptimal, with significant predictors including maternal education, social support, healthcare program attendance, and maternal perception of EBF's importance. Interventions targeting education, social support systems, and healthcare engagement are crucial for promoting EBF practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommendations: \u003c/strong\u003eStrengthening health education, engaging family and community support networks, and improving maternal access to healthcare services can enhance EBF prevalence and contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes in the region.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending the Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Northern Uganda","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-05 05:06:35","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8434800/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"aa442bb6-330f-4516-8038-c145fe1ce61d","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 5th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-09T07:40:49+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-05 05:06:35","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8434800","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8434800","identity":"rs-8434800","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}