Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo | 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 Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Ghislain KALOMBO MATIPA MUSHINGA, Pauline KAYEMBE MPOYI, Deca Blood BANZA NDALA, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/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 Early weaning remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries because it contributes to child malnutrition, infections, and increased infant mortality. Despite World Health Organization recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, early introduction of complementary foods remains common in many settings. This study aimed to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 mothers who had at least one child. A multistage probabilistic sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess associations between early weaning and independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants of early weaning. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of early weaning was 60%. Multivariate analysis showed that low education level (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.345–11.292), breastfeeding difficulties (AOR = 120.472; 95% CI: 26.72–543.23), belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape (AOR = 12.072; 95% CI: 3.583–40.667), and stopping breastfeeding during working hours (AOR = 11.703; 95% CI: 3.249–42.152) were independent determinants of early weaning. Conclusion Early weaning in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone is influenced by maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, sociocultural beliefs, and work-related constraints. Strengthening breastfeeding counseling, supporting working mothers, and addressing sociocultural beliefs could reduce early weaning and improve child health outcomes. Early weaning exclusive breastfeeding determinants mothers Democratic Republic of Congo Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION Breastfeeding is recognized as one of the most effective interventions for improving child survival, growth, and development. Breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and protective factors necessary for infant health, particularly during the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to reduce infant morbidity and mortality, prevent infections such as diarrhea and respiratory diseases, and improve cognitive development 1 . The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years or beyond. Despite these recommendations and well- established benefits, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate weaning remains suboptimal in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income settings 2 . Early weaning, defined as the introduction of complementary foods before six months of age, exposes infants to malnutrition, infections, and increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Globally, less than half of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. In sub-Saharan Africa, early introduction of complementary feeding remains common, particularly in urban settings. Studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding practices are influenced by multiple factors, including maternal education, employment, cultural beliefs, perceived insufficient breast milk, and access to health services 3 . In sub-Saharan Africa, although breastfeeding is widely practiced, exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months remains low, and early weaning is still common. Previous studies have shown that factors such as maternal employment, perceived insufficient breast milk, infant illness, cultural beliefs, and lack of breastfeeding counseling contribute to early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding 2 . Early weaning remains a major public health concern because it contributes to malnutrition, growth retardation, and increased child morbidity and mortality. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, breastfeeding is widely practiced, but exclusive breastfeeding remains insufficient, particularly in urban areas where mothers often combine childcare with income-generating activities. Studies conducted in health zones such as Mbandaka have shown that early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with maternal perceptions that breast milk is insufficient, infant crying, breast milk insufficiency, and sociocultural factors 4 . Despite the growing body of evidence on breastfeeding practices, there is limited context-specific information on the determinants of early weaning in urban health zones such as Bipemba in Mbuji-Mayi. This gap limits the development of targeted and context-appropriate interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices. Breastfeeding practices are influenced by multiple factors operating at individual, interpersonal, community, and health system levels. This study is guided by the socio-ecological model, which posits that infant feeding behaviors are shaped by individual factors such as maternal knowledge and education, interpersonal factors such as family support and cultural beliefs, and structural factors such as employment conditions and health service support. This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of early weaning by integrating determinants across multiple levels. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers who have had at least one childbirth in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone. Specifically, the study determine the prevalence of early weaning and assess the individual, sociocultural, and structural factors associated with this practice. METHODS Study setting The study was conducted in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone, located in Mbuji-Mayi, the capital city of Kasai Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Bipemba Health Zone is bordered by Mukumbi Health Zone to the north, Nzaba Health Zone to the south, Bonzola and Diulu Health Zones to the east, and Mpokolo Health Zone to the west. The health zone covers approximately 35 km² and has an estimated population of 463,391 inhabitants distributed across 19 health areas. The population mainly relies on informal economic activities such as trading, small businesses, and agriculture. Study design This was an analytical community-based cross-sectional study conducted from March 15 to August 15, 2025, over a period of five months in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of early weaning and to identify factors associated with early weaning among mothers with at least one childbirth. Study population, inclusion and exclusion criteria The study population consisted of women residing in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone who had at least one child and had lived in the selected households for at least six months prior to the survey. Women were included if they had at least one child, had resided in the selected households for at least six months, and provided informed consent to participate. Mothers who were severely ill, unable to respond to the questionnaire, or temporary residents were excluded from the study. Sample size and sampling procedure The sample size was calculated using Fisher’s formula, assuming a prevalence of 50% due to the lack of prior data on early weaning in the study area, with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The minimum sample size was 384 women. To increase statistical power and account for non-response, 25% was added, resulting in a final sample size of 480 women. A multistage probabilistic sampling technique was used. At the first stage, three health areas were randomly selected to ensure geographical representativeness while maintaining feasibility of data collection. At the second stage, community cells were randomly selected within each selected health area. At the third stage, streets were randomly selected within each selected community cell. At the fourth stage, households were selected using systematic random sampling after household listing. The sampling interval (k) was calculated by dividing the total number of households by the number of households to be surveyed. The first household was selected randomly, and subsequent households were selected using the sampling interval. Data collection Data were collected using a structured questionnaire programmed in Kobo Toolbox. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a health area with similar characteristics prior to data collection. Data were collected through face-to-face household interviews with eligible women identified using the sampling procedure described above. The questionnaire included information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding practices, attitudes and beliefs, and factors influencing early weaning. Study variables The dependent variable was early weaning, defined as the introduction of complementary foods before six months of age. Independent variables included: Sociodemographic characteristics (age, education level, marital status, occupation, religion, household income) Obstetric and reproductive factors (number of children, age of last child) Knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding Breastfeeding practices Attitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding Other influencing factors (return to work, maternity leave, postpartum depression, smoking, and alcohol consumption) Data management Data collected using Kobo Toolbox were exported to Microsoft Excel for cleaning and coding and then imported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data quality was ensured through checks for completeness, consistency, and accuracy. Statistical analysis Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were summarized using means and standard deviations. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess associations between early weaning and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Variables with a p-value < 0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent determinants of early weaning. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with early weaning while controlling for potential confounders. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Ethical considerations Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Official University of Mbuji-Mayi. Authorization to conduct the study was obtained from the Bipemba Health Zone authorities. The purpose of the study was explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Participation was voluntary, and anonymity and confidentiality were strictly maintained. RESULTS The prevalence of early weaning was 60%, whereas 40% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding up to six months (Fig. 1 ). Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers Variable n % Age of mother (Mean ± SD) 27.97 ± 6.94 Religion Christian 457 95.2 Non-Christian 23 4.8 Marital status Single 18 3.8 Divorced/Separated 23 4.8 Married 402 83.7 Cohabitation 31 6.4 Widow 6 1.3 Education level Primary 212 44.2 Secondary 220 45.8 Higher education 10 2.1 No formal education 38 7.9 Mother’s occupation Trader 186 38.8 Teacher 39 8.1 Civil servant / Nurse / Health staff 35 7.3 Housewife 220 45.5 Monthly household income < 200,000 FC 211 43.9 ≥ 200,000 FC 269 56.1 Number of children (Mean ± SD) 3.40 ± 1.74 Age of last child in months (Mean ± SD) 10.22 ± 6.30 Table 1 presents the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers included in the study. The mean age of the mothers was 27.97 ± 6.94 years. Most mothers were Christian (95.2%) and married (83.7%). Regarding education level, 45.8% had secondary education and 44.2% had primary education, while only 2.1% had higher education. Most mothers were housewives (45.5%) or traders (38.8%). More than half of households (56.1%) had a monthly income above 200,000 FC. The average number of children was 3.40 ± 1.74, and the mean age of the last child was 10.22 ± 6.30 months. Table 2 Knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and early weaning Variable n % Prenatal education on breastfeeding Yes 422 87.9 No 58 12.1 Knowledge of recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding Yes 388 80.8 No 92 19.2 Knowledge of breast milk benefits Yes 255 53.1 No 225 46.9 Recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (n = 388) 3 months 3 0.6 6 months 311 64.8 12 months 74 15.4 Table 2 shows mothers’ knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and early weaning. The majority of mothers had received prenatal education on breastfeeding (87.9%), and most of them knew the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (80.8%). However, nearly half of the mothers (46.9%) did not know the benefits of breast milk for the child. Among mothers who knew the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding, 64.8% correctly reported that exclusive breastfeeding should last six months. Table 3 Breastfeeding practices among mothers Variable n % Breastfed last child Yes 477 99.4 No 3 0.6 Duration of breastfeeding (n = 477) 12 months 81 17.0 Use of breast milk substitutes Yes 226 47.1 No 254 52.9 Breastfeeding difficulties Yes 211 44.0 No 269 56.0 Received breastfeeding support Yes 241 50.2 No 239 49.8 Table 3 presents breastfeeding practices among the mothers. Breastfeeding was almost universal, as 99.4% of mothers reported breastfeeding their last child. The most common breastfeeding duration was between 6 and 12 months (56.8%). Nearly half of the mothers (47.1%) reported using breast milk substitutes. In addition, 44% of mothers reported experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, and only about half of the mothers (50.2%) received support for breastfeeding. Table 4 Attitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding Variable n % Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother Yes 412 85.8 No 68 14.2 Concern about breastfeeding in public Yes 379 79.0 No 101 21.0 Breastfeeding affects breast shape Yes 412 85.3 No 68 14.7 Table 4 presents attitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding. Most mothers (85.8%) reported that breastfeeding has benefits for the mother. However, a large proportion of mothers (79%) reported concerns about breastfeeding in public. In addition, 85.3% of mothers believed that breastfeeding affects the shape of the breasts. Table 5 Association between early weaning and socio-demographic factors FACTORS Early weaning OR (95% CI) p-value Yes n (%) No n (%) Marital status Married 54 (69.2) 24 (30.8) 3.725 [2.531–5.841] 0.075 Not married 235 (58.5) 167 (41.5) Education level Primary / No education 187 (74.8) 63 (25.2) 3.725 [2.531–5.841] 0.000 Secondary / Higher 102 (44.3) 128 (55.7) Occupation Self-employed 264 (65.0) 142 (35.0) 3.644 [2.160–6.148] 0.000 Civil servant 25 (33.8) 49 (66.2) Number of children ≥ 3 children 214 (63.7) 122 (36.3) 1.614 [1.087–2.396] 0.017 < 3 children 75 (52.1) 69 (47.9) Table 5 shows that education level, occupation, and number of children were significantly associated with early weaning, while marital status was not (p = 0.075). Married mothers had a higher proportion of early weaning (69.2%) compared to unmarried mothers (58.5%). Mothers with primary or no education had a higher prevalence of early weaning (74.8%) compared to those with secondary or higher education (44.3%) and were 3.7 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR = 3.725; 95% CI: 2.531–5.841). Self-employed mothers had a higher prevalence of early weaning (65.0%) than civil servants (33.8%) and were 3.6 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR = 3.644; 95% CI: 2.160–6.148). Mothers with three or more children had a higher prevalence of early weaning (63.7%) compared to those with fewer than three children (52.1%), with a moderate but significant association (OR = 1.614; 95% CI: 1.087–2.396). Table 6 Association between early weaning and knowledge/practice variables FACTORS Early weaning OR (95% CI) p-value Yes n (%) No n (%) Lack of prenatal health education Yes 50 (86.2) 8 (13.8) 4.786 [2.214–10.344] 0.000 No 239 (56.6) 183 (43.4) Lack of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding duration Yes 79 (85.9) 13 (14.1) 5.151 [2.772–9.572] 0.000 No 210 (54.1) 178 (45.9) Lack of knowledge of breast milk benefits Yes 155 (68.9) 70 (31.1) 1.999 [1.375–2.907] 0.000 No 134 (52.5) 121 (47.5) Use of breast milk substitutes Yes 178 (78.8) 48 (21.2) 4.777 [3.190–7.154] 0.000 No 111 (43.7) 143 (56.3) Breastfeeding difficulties Yes 203 (96.2) 8 (3.8) 53.996 [25.46–114.48] 0.000 No 86 (32.0) 183 (68.0) Table 6 shows that lack of prenatal health education, lack of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding duration, lack of knowledge of breast milk benefits, use of breast milk substitutes, and breastfeeding difficulties were significantly associated with early weaning (p < 0.001). Mothers without prenatal education (86.2%) were more likely to practice early weaning than those who received prenatal education (56.6%) (OR = 4.786). Mothers who did not know the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (85.9%) were more likely to practice early weaning than those who knew it (54.1%) (OR = 5.151). Mothers who used breast milk substitutes (78.8%) had higher early weaning than those who did not (43.7%) (OR = 4.777). Breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest factor associated with early weaning, with 96.2% of mothers with difficulties practicing early weaning compared to 32.0% of those without difficulties (OR = 53.996). Table 7 Association between early weaning and perception-related factors FACTORS Early weaning OR (95% CI) p-value Yes n (%) No n (%) Perceived insufficient breast milk Yes 237 (95.2) 12 (4.8) 67.986 [35.244–131.146] 0.000 No 52 (22.5) 179 (77.5) Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother Yes 278 (67.5) 134 (32.5) 10.750 [5.460–21.168] 0.000 No 11 (16.2) 57 (83.8) Breastfeeding affects breast shape Yes 278 (67.5) 134 (32.5) 10.750 [5.460–21.168] 0.000 No 11 (16.2) 57 (83.8) Stopping breastfeeding during working hours Yes 223 (77.2) 66 (22.8) 6.399 [4.266–9.598] 0.000 No 66 (34.6) 125 (65.4) Table 7 shows that perceived insufficient breast milk, perceived benefits of breastfeeding for the mother, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours were significantly associated with early weaning (p < 0.001). Mothers who perceived insufficient breast milk had a much higher prevalence of early weaning (95.2%) compared to those who did not (22.5%) and were about 68 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR = 67.986). Mothers who believed that breastfeeding affects breast shape had a higher prevalence of early weaning (67.5%) compared to those who did not (16.2%) (OR = 10.750). Similarly, stopping breastfeeding during working hours was associated with early weaning, with 77.2% of mothers practicing early weaning compared to 34.6% among those who did not stop breastfeeding during working hours (OR = 6.399). Table 8 Determinants of early weaning Independent variables Adjusted OR (95% CI) p-value Education level 3.9 (1.345–11.292) 0.012 Breastfeeding difficulties ( Yes vs No) 120.472 (26.72–543.23) < 0.001 Breastfeeding affects breast shape ( Yes vs No) 12.072 (3.583–40.667) < 0.001 Stopping breastfeeding during working hours ( Yes vs No) 11.703 (3.249–42.152) < 0.001 Table 8 shows the independent determinants of early weaning identified by binary logistic regression analysis. Low education level was significantly associated with early weaning, as mothers with low education were about four times more likely to practice early weaning (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.345–11.292; p = 0.012). Breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant of early weaning, increasing the likelihood by more than 120 times (AOR = 120.472; 95% CI: 26.72–543.23; p < 0.001). The belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape was also significantly associated with early weaning (AOR = 12.072; 95% CI: 3.583–40.667; p < 0.001). In addition, stopping breastfeeding during working hours significantly increased the likelihood of early weaning (AOR = 11.703; 95% CI: 3.249–42.152; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION The present study investigated the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone. The results showed that the prevalence of early weaning was high (60%), and multivariate analysis identified low education level, breastfeeding difficulties, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours as independent determinants of early weaning. The prevalence of early weaning observed in this study (60%) is relatively high and indicates that exclusive breastfeeding up to six months remains insufficient in the study area. Similar findings have been reported in several recent studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries, where early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding remains common and contributes to child malnutrition and infections 5 . Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa have also reported high rates of early introduction of complementary foods, particularly in urban areas where mothers combine breastfeeding with economic activities 6 . The high prevalence observed in this study may be explained by socioeconomic constraints, maternal employment in informal sectors, limited maternity protection, and sociocultural beliefs regarding breastfeeding practices. In urban settings such as Mbuji-Mayi, mothers are often involved in trading and small businesses, which may limit the time available for exclusive breastfeeding and lead to early introduction of complementary foods. The study showed that low maternal education was significantly associated with early weaning. Mothers with low education levels were more likely to introduce complementary feeding before six months compared to mothers with secondary or higher education. This finding is consistent with recent studies showing that maternal education is one of the strongest predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practices 7 . The relationship between maternal education and breastfeeding practices can be explained by the fact that educated mothers are more likely to receive health information, attend antenatal care, understand breastfeeding recommendations, and adopt appropriate infant feeding practices. Education also improves women’s autonomy and decision-making regarding child nutrition and health care utilization. Breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant of early weaning in this study. Mothers who experienced breastfeeding difficulties were significantly more likely to introduce complementary feeding early. Similar findings have been reported in recent studies showing that breastfeeding problems such as breast pain, poor infant latch, perceived insufficient milk, and maternal fatigue are major reasons for early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (Wepeba et al., 2025). Breastfeeding difficulties often lead mothers to believe that they are not producing enough milk, which encourages early introduction of breast milk substitutes or complementary feeding. In many cases, these difficulties are related to poor breastfeeding techniques or lack of counseling rather than actual breast milk insufficiency. This highlights the importance of breastfeeding counseling and postnatal support services. The very high odds ratios observed for some variables, particularly breastfeeding difficulties and perceived insufficient breast milk, may be explained by the strong relationship between breastfeeding challenges and early introduction of complementary feeding. Mothers experiencing breastfeeding difficulties often introduce alternative feeding methods early, which greatly increases the likelihood of early weaning. However, very high odds ratios may also be influenced by small sample sizes in some categories or correlations between related variables included in the regression model. Stopping breastfeeding during working hours was also identified as an independent determinant of early weaning. This finding is consistent with recent studies showing that maternal employment is significantly associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, especially in settings where maternity leave is short and workplaces are not breastfeeding-friendly 8 – 11 . In many low-income countries, women work in informal sectors without maternity leave or breastfeeding facilities, which makes exclusive breastfeeding difficult to maintain. Therefore, structural factors such as maternity leave policies, workplace breastfeeding support, and flexible working hours are important for improving exclusive breastfeeding practices. The study also found that the belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape was associated with early weaning. This finding highlights the influence of sociocultural beliefs and body image perceptions on breastfeeding practices. Cultural beliefs and social norms have been reported as important determinants of breastfeeding practices in several African countries 12 . In many communities, women believe that prolonged breastfeeding affects physical appearance, which may discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding promotion programs should include community education and behavior change communication to address misconceptions and cultural beliefs related to breastfeeding. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that early weaning is influenced by multiple factors including maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, sociocultural beliefs, and maternal employment. These findings are consistent with recent literature showing that breastfeeding practices are influenced by a combination of individual factors (knowledge and education), interpersonal factors (family and cultural beliefs), and structural factors (employment and health system support) 5 , 6 . Similar studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa have reported that maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, and maternal employment are major determinants of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding 1 , 5 , 13 . Studies conducted in Asian settings have also shown that maternal employment, maternal education, and sociocultural beliefs significantly influence early introduction of complementary feeding. In high-income countries, early weaning is more often associated with maternal employment and short maternity leave rather than lack of knowledge or cultural beliefs. Public health implications From a public health perspective, these findings suggest that interventions to reduce early weaning should focus on: Strengthening breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal care; Providing breastfeeding support services at health facilities and community level; Improving maternal education and awareness about exclusive breastfeeding; Addressing sociocultural beliefs related to breastfeeding; Promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces; Supporting working mothers through maternity leave and breastfeeding breaks. Improving exclusive breastfeeding practices could significantly reduce child malnutrition, infections, and infant mortality. Strengths and limitations of the study This study has several strengths. First, it used a community-based sampling method, which improves the representativeness of the study population. Second, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of early weaning. However, the study also has some limitations. The cross-sectional design does not allow causal relationships to be established. In addition, some information such as breastfeeding practices and duration was self-reported, which may be subject to recall bias. Despite these limitations, the study provides important information on the determinants of early weaning in an urban health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Another limitation of this study is that some variables showed very high odds ratios, which may be due to strong associations or small sample sizes in certain categories. Multicollinearity between related variables may also have influenced the regression model. CONCLUSION This study aimed to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The findings revealed that the prevalence of early weaning was high, indicating that exclusive breastfeeding up to six months remains insufficient in the study area. Multivariate analysis showed that low maternal education level, breastfeeding difficulties, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours were the main determinants of early weaning. Among these factors, breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant. These findings suggest that early weaning is influenced by educational, sociocultural, occupational, and breastfeeding practice-related factors. Therefore, reducing early weaning requires multidimensional interventions including strengthening breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal care, providing breastfeeding support services, improving maternal education and awareness, addressing sociocultural beliefs related to breastfeeding, and promoting breastfeeding-friendly work environments. Improving exclusive breastfeeding practices could significantly reduce child malnutrition, infections, and infant mortality. Early weaning should therefore be considered an important public health issue, and interventions aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding should be strengthened at both community and health system levels. Declarations Author Contribution G.K.M.M.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft.P.K.M.: Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.D.B.B.N.: Investigation, Data curation, Writing – review & editing.M.K.N.: Conceptualization, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing. References Muluneh MW. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2023;18(2 February):1–11. 10.1371/journal.pone.0281576 . Ndum Okwen GA, Karimuribo ED, Ngowi HA, Fombang EN. Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Determinants in Yaoundé, Cameroon: A Retrospective Survival Analysis. J Pregnancy. 2022;2022. 10.1155/2022/8396586 . Onwuka CI. A Cross-Sectional Study of Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in Enugu. J West Afr Coll Surg. 2022;12(2):75–80. 10.4103/jwas.jwas_102_22 . Simonne A, Mehrnoosh Y, Augustin KB, Ignace BKK. 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Characteristics, Preventive Factors, and Barriers to Breastfeeding and Mixed Feeding in the First Month of Life in Barcelona: The Multicenter Observational Study GREEN MOTHER. Nutr. 2025;17(19):1–16. 10.3390/nu17193109 . Sako S, Gilano G, Dileba T, Ayenew T, Addis Y. Spatial distribution and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers of children under 24 months of age in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024;24(1). 10.1186/s12884-024-06755-x . 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. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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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-9355743","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":619576777,"identity":"7ef068df-7714-4ff5-889e-68e73b86e263","order_by":0,"name":"Ghislain KALOMBO MATIPA MUSHINGA","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Official University of Mbujimayi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ghislain","middleName":"KALOMBO MATIPA","lastName":"MUSHINGA","suffix":""},{"id":619576778,"identity":"2e602fbc-57fb-4bfe-8c21-7703f84aeea1","order_by":1,"name":"Pauline KAYEMBE MPOYI","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Official University of Mbujimayi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Pauline","middleName":"KAYEMBE","lastName":"MPOYI","suffix":""},{"id":619576779,"identity":"6b662e23-4e3c-41c2-a157-fc68bcfc91d3","order_by":2,"name":"Deca Blood BANZA NDALA","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Higher Institute Of Medical Techniques of Mbujimayi ,","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Deca","middleName":"Blood BANZA","lastName":"NDALA","suffix":""},{"id":619576780,"identity":"64c66670-2561-4732-8662-9adb7a189e1d","order_by":3,"name":"Michel KABAMBA NZAJI","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA4klEQVRIie3OMYrCQBTG8RcfzDYj005YiCcQngha5izeQNhmwS2UQGzE2sY7eIQJD7S0FbSITaotUomFiElk2S6ZUnD+1VfMjzcALtcrhiAAxuVKZimAKYaXWhCqSERPgtR054+A0FakO8cszekUqhnHE/lzChSgyOvIgMWwt6IMtUnio9xmfX+KuKonUnxKYgEVETzaGMW1H6vIjVh2CvIl7yVBbCZArKkg2I6tiBj4C2LqmSTy10vu+1ET2XOmr98cBofdOf+9cKA+onrynzbQkuWwBQBqCt7V+rXL5XK9Uw9akUsNrKj0iAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"University of Kamina","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Michel","middleName":"KABAMBA","lastName":"NZAJI","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-04-08 10:47:40","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":106543149,"identity":"c9007eb6-f2fb-4d07-b776-ca012e90573e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-09 16:34:13","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":29381,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9355743/v1/2eb162ebb01317d8fa8ced79.png"},{"id":107185966,"identity":"8ab8c51e-45a1-41ef-8f2e-a2ac35b589dd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-17 18:55:09","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":859128,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9355743/v1/3a06e54a-8d12-4e1b-8f9a-b4bfa65ac82e.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding is recognized as one of the most effective interventions for improving child survival, growth, and development. Breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and protective factors necessary for infant health, particularly during the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to reduce infant morbidity and mortality, prevent infections such as diarrhea and respiratory diseases, and improve cognitive development \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years or beyond. Despite these recommendations and well- established benefits, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate weaning remains suboptimal in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income settings \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Early weaning, defined as the introduction of complementary foods before six months of age, exposes infants to malnutrition, infections, and increased risk of mortality and morbidity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobally, less than half of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. In sub-Saharan Africa, early introduction of complementary feeding remains common, particularly in urban settings. Studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding practices are influenced by multiple factors, including maternal education, employment, cultural beliefs, perceived insufficient breast milk, and access to health services \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn sub-Saharan Africa, although breastfeeding is widely practiced, exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months remains low, and early weaning is still common. Previous studies have shown that factors such as maternal employment, perceived insufficient breast milk, infant illness, cultural beliefs, and lack of breastfeeding counseling contribute to early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Early weaning remains a major public health concern because it contributes to malnutrition, growth retardation, and increased child morbidity and mortality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo, breastfeeding is widely practiced, but exclusive breastfeeding remains insufficient, particularly in urban areas where mothers often combine childcare with income-generating activities. Studies conducted in health zones such as Mbandaka have shown that early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with maternal perceptions that breast milk is insufficient, infant crying, breast milk insufficiency, and sociocultural factors \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the growing body of evidence on breastfeeding practices, there is limited context-specific information on the determinants of early weaning in urban health zones such as Bipemba in Mbuji-Mayi. This gap limits the development of targeted and context-appropriate interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding practices are influenced by multiple factors operating at individual, interpersonal, community, and health system levels. This study is guided by the socio-ecological model, which posits that infant feeding behaviors are shaped by individual factors such as maternal knowledge and education, interpersonal factors such as family support and cultural beliefs, and structural factors such as employment conditions and health service support. This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of early weaning by integrating determinants across multiple levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers who have had at least one childbirth in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone. Specifically, the study determine the prevalence of early weaning and assess the individual, sociocultural, and structural factors associated with this practice.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy setting\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone, located in Mbuji-Mayi, the capital city of Kasai Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Bipemba Health Zone is bordered by Mukumbi Health Zone to the north, Nzaba Health Zone to the south, Bonzola and Diulu Health Zones to the east, and Mpokolo Health Zone to the west. The health zone covers approximately 35 km\u0026sup2; and has an estimated population of 463,391 inhabitants distributed across 19 health areas. The population mainly relies on informal economic activities such as trading, small businesses, and agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy design\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was an analytical community-based cross-sectional study conducted from March 15 to August 15, 2025, over a period of five months in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of early weaning and to identify factors associated with early weaning among mothers with at least one childbirth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy population, inclusion and exclusion criteria\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study population consisted of women residing in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone who had at least one child and had lived in the selected households for at least six months prior to the survey. Women were included if they had at least one child, had resided in the selected households for at least six months, and provided informed consent to participate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMothers who were severely ill, unable to respond to the questionnaire, or temporary residents were excluded from the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSample size and sampling procedure\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was calculated using Fisher\u0026rsquo;s formula, assuming a prevalence of 50% due to the lack of prior data on early weaning in the study area, with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The minimum sample size was 384 women. To increase statistical power and account for non-response, 25% was added, resulting in a final sample size of 480 women.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA multistage probabilistic sampling technique was used. At the first stage, three health areas were randomly selected to ensure geographical representativeness while maintaining feasibility of data collection.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the second stage, community cells were randomly selected within each selected health area. At the third stage, streets were randomly selected within each selected community cell.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the fourth stage, households were selected using systematic random sampling after household listing. The sampling interval (k) was calculated by dividing the total number of households by the number of households to be surveyed. The first household was selected randomly, and subsequent households were selected using the sampling interval.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were collected using a structured questionnaire programmed in Kobo Toolbox. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a health area with similar characteristics prior to data collection.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData were collected through face-to-face household interviews with eligible women identified using the sampling procedure described above.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe questionnaire included information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding practices, attitudes and beliefs, and factors influencing early weaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy variables\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe dependent variable was early weaning, defined as the introduction of complementary foods before six months of age.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndependent variables included:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSociodemographic characteristics (age, education level, marital status, occupation, religion, household income)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eObstetric and reproductive factors (number of children, age of last child)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowledge of exclusive breastfeeding\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding practices\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther influencing factors (return to work, maternity leave, postpartum depression, smoking, and alcohol consumption)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData management\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData collected using Kobo Toolbox were exported to Microsoft Excel for cleaning and coding and then imported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data quality was ensured through checks for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were summarized using means and standard deviations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess associations between early weaning and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Variables with a p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent determinants of early weaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with early weaning while controlling for potential confounders. Variables with a p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthical considerations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Official University of Mbuji-Mayi. Authorization to conduct the study was obtained from the Bipemba Health Zone authorities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of the study was explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Participation was voluntary, and anonymity and confidentiality were strictly maintained.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of early weaning was 60%, whereas 40% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding up to six months (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \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\u003eSocio-demographic characteristics of mothers\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\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\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 of mother (Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReligion\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e457\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-Christian\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\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced/Separated\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\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e402\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCohabitation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\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\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s occupation\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrader\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e186\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTeacher\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCivil servant / Nurse / Health staff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHousewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonthly household income\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;200,000 FC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;200,000 FC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e269\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of children (Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge of last child in months (Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.30\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\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e presents the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers included in the study. The mean age of the mothers was 27.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.94 years. Most mothers were Christian (95.2%) and married (83.7%). Regarding education level, 45.8% had secondary education and 44.2% had primary education, while only 2.1% had higher education. Most mothers were housewives (45.5%) or traders (38.8%). More than half of households (56.1%) had a monthly income above 200,000 FC. The average number of children was 3.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.74, and the mean age of the last child was 10.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.30 months.\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\u003eKnowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and early weaning\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\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrenatal education on breastfeeding\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\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e422\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.9\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\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge of recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e388\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.8\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\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge of breast milk benefits\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e255\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.1\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\u003e225\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;388)\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e311\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4\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\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows mothers\u0026rsquo; knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and early weaning. The majority of mothers had received prenatal education on breastfeeding (87.9%), and most of them knew the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (80.8%). However, nearly half of the mothers (46.9%) did not know the benefits of breast milk for the child. Among mothers who knew the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding, 64.8% correctly reported that exclusive breastfeeding should last six months.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding practices among mothers\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\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfed last child\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\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e477\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99.4\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\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDuration of breastfeeding (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;477)\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;6 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u0026ndash;12 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e271\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;12 months\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse of breast milk substitutes\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e226\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.1\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\u003e254\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding difficulties\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.0\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\u003e269\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReceived breastfeeding support\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e241\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.2\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\u003e239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.8\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\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents breastfeeding practices among the mothers. Breastfeeding was almost universal, as 99.4% of mothers reported breastfeeding their last child. The most common breastfeeding duration was between 6 and 12 months (56.8%). Nearly half of the mothers (47.1%) reported using breast milk substitutes. In addition, 44% of mothers reported experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, and only about half of the mothers (50.2%) received support for breastfeeding.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding\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\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBenefits of breastfeeding for the mother\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\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e412\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\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\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\u003e\u003cb\u003eConcern about breastfeeding in public\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.0\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\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding affects breast shape\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e412\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\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.7\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\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e presents attitudes and beliefs related to breastfeeding. Most mothers (85.8%) reported that breastfeeding has benefits for the mother. However, a large proportion of mothers (79%) reported concerns about breastfeeding in public. In addition, 85.3% of mothers believed that breastfeeding affects the shape of the breasts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssociation between early weaning and socio-demographic factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\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 \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFACTORS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly weaning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\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 \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54 (69.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24 (30.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.725 [2.531\u0026ndash;5.841]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235 (58.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167 (41.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary / No education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e187 (74.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63 (25.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.725 [2.531\u0026ndash;5.841]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary / Higher\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102 (44.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128 (55.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccupation\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e264 (65.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e142 (35.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.644 [2.160\u0026ndash;6.148]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCivil servant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25 (33.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49 (66.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of children\u003c/b\u003e\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 \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e214 (63.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122 (36.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.614 [1.087\u0026ndash;2.396]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3 children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 (52.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69 (47.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e shows that education level, occupation, and number of children were significantly associated with early weaning, while marital status was not (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.075). Married mothers had a higher proportion of early weaning (69.2%) compared to unmarried mothers (58.5%). Mothers with primary or no education had a higher prevalence of early weaning (74.8%) compared to those with secondary or higher education (44.3%) and were 3.7 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.725; 95% CI: 2.531\u0026ndash;5.841). Self-employed mothers had a higher prevalence of early weaning (65.0%) than civil servants (33.8%) and were 3.6 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.644; 95% CI: 2.160\u0026ndash;6.148). Mothers with three or more children had a higher prevalence of early weaning (63.7%) compared to those with fewer than three children (52.1%), with a moderate but significant association (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.614; 95% CI: 1.087\u0026ndash;2.396).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssociation between early weaning and knowledge/practice variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\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 \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFACTORS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly weaning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLack of prenatal health education\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 \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 (86.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (13.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.786 [2.214\u0026ndash;10.344]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e239 (56.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e183 (43.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLack of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding duration\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e79 (85.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (14.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.151 [2.772\u0026ndash;9.572]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e210 (54.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e178 (45.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLack of knowledge of breast milk benefits\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e155 (68.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70 (31.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.999 [1.375\u0026ndash;2.907]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e134 (52.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121 (47.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse of breast milk substitutes\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e178 (78.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48 (21.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.777 [3.190\u0026ndash;7.154]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e111 (43.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143 (56.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding difficulties\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e203 (96.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (3.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.996 [25.46\u0026ndash;114.48]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e86 (32.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e183 (68.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e shows that lack of prenatal health education, lack of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding duration, lack of knowledge of breast milk benefits, use of breast milk substitutes, and breastfeeding difficulties were significantly associated with early weaning (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Mothers without prenatal education (86.2%) were more likely to practice early weaning than those who received prenatal education (56.6%) (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.786). Mothers who did not know the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding (85.9%) were more likely to practice early weaning than those who knew it (54.1%) (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.151). Mothers who used breast milk substitutes (78.8%) had higher early weaning than those who did not (43.7%) (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.777). Breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest factor associated with early weaning, with 96.2% of mothers with difficulties practicing early weaning compared to 32.0% of those without difficulties (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;53.996).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssociation between early weaning and perception-related factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\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 \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFACTORS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly weaning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo n (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerceived insufficient breast milk\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 \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e237 (95.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (4.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.986 [35.244\u0026ndash;131.146]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e52 (22.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179 (77.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenefits of breastfeeding for the mother\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e278 (67.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134 (32.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.750 [5.460\u0026ndash;21.168]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e11 (16.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57 (83.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBreastfeeding affects breast shape\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e278 (67.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134 (32.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.750 [5.460\u0026ndash;21.168]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e11 (16.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57 (83.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStopping breastfeeding during working hours\u003c/b\u003e\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 \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\u003e223 (77.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66 (22.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.399 [4.266\u0026ndash;9.598]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\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\u003e66 (34.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 (65.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e shows that perceived insufficient breast milk, perceived benefits of breastfeeding for the mother, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours were significantly associated with early weaning (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Mothers who perceived insufficient breast milk had a much higher prevalence of early weaning (95.2%) compared to those who did not (22.5%) and were about 68 times more likely to practice early weaning (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;67.986). Mothers who believed that breastfeeding affects breast shape had a higher prevalence of early weaning (67.5%) compared to those who did not (16.2%) (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10.750). Similarly, stopping breastfeeding during working hours was associated with early weaning, with 77.2% of mothers practicing early weaning compared to 34.6% among those who did not stop breastfeeding during working hours (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.399).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeterminants of early weaning\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\u003eIndependent variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdjusted OR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9 (1.345\u0026ndash;11.292)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding difficulties ( Yes vs No)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120.472 (26.72\u0026ndash;543.23)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding affects breast shape ( Yes vs No)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.072 (3.583\u0026ndash;40.667)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStopping breastfeeding during working hours ( Yes vs No)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.703 (3.249\u0026ndash;42.152)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\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 \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e shows the independent determinants of early weaning identified by binary logistic regression analysis. Low education level was significantly associated with early weaning, as mothers with low education were about four times more likely to practice early weaning (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.9; 95% CI: 1.345\u0026ndash;11.292; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.012). Breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant of early weaning, increasing the likelihood by more than 120 times (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;120.472; 95% CI: 26.72\u0026ndash;543.23; p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). The belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape was also significantly associated with early weaning (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.072; 95% CI: 3.583\u0026ndash;40.667; p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). In addition, stopping breastfeeding during working hours significantly increased the likelihood of early weaning (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11.703; 95% CI: 3.249\u0026ndash;42.152; p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study investigated the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone. The results showed that the prevalence of early weaning was high (60%), and multivariate analysis identified low education level, breastfeeding difficulties, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours as independent determinants of early weaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of early weaning observed in this study (60%) is relatively high and indicates that exclusive breastfeeding up to six months remains insufficient in the study area. Similar findings have been reported in several recent studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries, where early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding remains common and contributes to child malnutrition and infections \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa have also reported high rates of early introduction of complementary foods, particularly in urban areas where mothers combine breastfeeding with economic activities \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe high prevalence observed in this study may be explained by socioeconomic constraints, maternal employment in informal sectors, limited maternity protection, and sociocultural beliefs regarding breastfeeding practices. In urban settings such as Mbuji-Mayi, mothers are often involved in trading and small businesses, which may limit the time available for exclusive breastfeeding and lead to early introduction of complementary foods.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study showed that low maternal education was significantly associated with early weaning. Mothers with low education levels were more likely to introduce complementary feeding before six months compared to mothers with secondary or higher education. This finding is consistent with recent studies showing that maternal education is one of the strongest predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practices \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe relationship between maternal education and breastfeeding practices can be explained by the fact that educated mothers are more likely to receive health information, attend antenatal care, understand breastfeeding recommendations, and adopt appropriate infant feeding practices. Education also improves women\u0026rsquo;s autonomy and decision-making regarding child nutrition and health care utilization.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant of early weaning in this study. Mothers who experienced breastfeeding difficulties were significantly more likely to introduce complementary feeding early. Similar findings have been reported in recent studies showing that breastfeeding problems such as breast pain, poor infant latch, perceived insufficient milk, and maternal fatigue are major reasons for early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (Wepeba et al., 2025).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreastfeeding difficulties often lead mothers to believe that they are not producing enough milk, which encourages early introduction of breast milk substitutes or complementary feeding. In many cases, these difficulties are related to poor breastfeeding techniques or lack of counseling rather than actual breast milk insufficiency. This highlights the importance of breastfeeding counseling and postnatal support services. The very high odds ratios observed for some variables, particularly breastfeeding difficulties and perceived insufficient breast milk, may be explained by the strong relationship between breastfeeding challenges and early introduction of complementary feeding. Mothers experiencing breastfeeding difficulties often introduce alternative feeding methods early, which greatly increases the likelihood of early weaning. However, very high odds ratios may also be influenced by small sample sizes in some categories or correlations between related variables included in the regression model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStopping breastfeeding during working hours was also identified as an independent determinant of early weaning. This finding is consistent with recent studies showing that maternal employment is significantly associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, especially in settings where maternity leave is short and workplaces are not breastfeeding-friendly \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR9 CR10\" citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn many low-income countries, women work in informal sectors without maternity leave or breastfeeding facilities, which makes exclusive breastfeeding difficult to maintain. Therefore, structural factors such as maternity leave policies, workplace breastfeeding support, and flexible working hours are important for improving exclusive breastfeeding practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study also found that the belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape was associated with early weaning. This finding highlights the influence of sociocultural beliefs and body image perceptions on breastfeeding practices. Cultural beliefs and social norms have been reported as important determinants of breastfeeding practices in several African countries \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn many communities, women believe that prolonged breastfeeding affects physical appearance, which may discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding promotion programs should include community education and behavior change communication to address misconceptions and cultural beliefs related to breastfeeding.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the findings of this study suggest that early weaning is influenced by multiple factors including maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, sociocultural beliefs, and maternal employment. These findings are consistent with recent literature showing that breastfeeding practices are influenced by a combination of individual factors (knowledge and education), interpersonal factors (family and cultural beliefs), and structural factors (employment and health system support) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa have reported that maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, and maternal employment are major determinants of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Studies conducted in Asian settings have also shown that maternal employment, maternal education, and sociocultural beliefs significantly influence early introduction of complementary feeding. In high-income countries, early weaning is more often associated with maternal employment and short maternity leave rather than lack of knowledge or cultural beliefs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePublic health implications\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom a public health perspective, these findings suggest that interventions to reduce early weaning should focus on:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrengthening breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal care;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding breastfeeding support services at health facilities and community level;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving maternal education and awareness about exclusive breastfeeding;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eAddressing sociocultural beliefs related to breastfeeding;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ePromoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupporting working mothers through maternity leave and breastfeeding breaks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving exclusive breastfeeding practices could significantly reduce child malnutrition, infections, and infant mortality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStrengths and limitations of the study\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study has several strengths. First, it used a community-based sampling method, which improves the representativeness of the study population. Second, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of early weaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, the study also has some limitations. The cross-sectional design does not allow causal relationships to be established. In addition, some information such as breastfeeding practices and duration was self-reported, which may be subject to recall bias. Despite these limitations, the study provides important information on the determinants of early weaning in an urban health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Another limitation of this study is that some variables showed very high odds ratios, which may be due to strong associations or small sample sizes in certain categories. Multicollinearity between related variables may also have influenced the regression model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The findings revealed that the prevalence of early weaning was high, indicating that exclusive breastfeeding up to six months remains insufficient in the study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate analysis showed that low maternal education level, breastfeeding difficulties, belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape, and stopping breastfeeding during working hours were the main determinants of early weaning. Among these factors, breastfeeding difficulties were the strongest determinant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings suggest that early weaning is influenced by educational, sociocultural, occupational, and breastfeeding practice-related factors. Therefore, reducing early weaning requires multidimensional interventions including strengthening breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal care, providing breastfeeding support services, improving maternal education and awareness, addressing sociocultural beliefs related to breastfeeding, and promoting breastfeeding-friendly work environments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving exclusive breastfeeding practices could significantly reduce child malnutrition, infections, and infant mortality. Early weaning should therefore be considered an important public health issue, and interventions aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding should be strengthened at both community and health system levels.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eG.K.M.M.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing \u0026ndash; original draft.P.K.M.: Methodology, Supervision, Writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.D.B.B.N.: Investigation, Data curation, Writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.M.K.N.: Conceptualization, Supervision, Validation, Writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuluneh MW. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2023;18(2 February):1\u0026ndash;11. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1371/journal.pone.0281576\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1371/journal.pone.0281576\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNdum Okwen GA, Karimuribo ED, Ngowi HA, Fombang EN. Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Determinants in Yaound\u0026eacute;, Cameroon: A Retrospective Survival Analysis. J Pregnancy. 2022;2022. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1155/2022/8396586\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1155/2022/8396586\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnwuka CI. A Cross-Sectional Study of Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in Enugu. 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PLoS ONE. 2025;20(1 January):1\u0026ndash;22. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1371/journal.pone.0316436\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1371/journal.pone.0316436\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePebrianthy L, Jafar N, Nasir S et al. Breastfeeding In Working Mothers: ASystematic Literatur Review. \u003cem\u003eDiabeticstudiesOrg\u003c/em\u003e. (1):21\u0026ndash;35. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://diabeticstudies.org/index.php/RDS/article/view/438\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://diabeticstudies.org/index.php/RDS/article/view/438\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNekesa C, Ekung E, Nalubuuka A, Atim PG, Nakafeero G, Udho S. Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention among pregnant working-class women in Wakiso District, central Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Int Breastfeed J. 2026;21(1):1\u0026ndash;10. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1186/s13006-025-00789-3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s13006-025-00789-3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEsan DT, Sokan-Adeaga AA, Odesanya OE, Akingbade O, Awotunde TA, Ramos CG. Breastfeeding patterns among mothers of different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. J Public health Res. 2025;14(2). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1177/22799036251345537\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1177/22799036251345537\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReyes-Lacalle A, Cabedo-Ferreiro RM, Cos-Busquets J, et al. Characteristics, Preventive Factors, and Barriers to Breastfeeding and Mixed Feeding in the First Month of Life in Barcelona: The Multicenter Observational Study GREEN MOTHER. Nutr. 2025;17(19):1\u0026ndash;16. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3390/nu17193109\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/nu17193109\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSako S, Gilano G, Dileba T, Ayenew T, Addis Y. Spatial distribution and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers of children under 24 months of age in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024;24(1). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1186/s12884-024-06755-x\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s12884-024-06755-x\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":false,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"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":"Early weaning, exclusive breastfeeding, determinants, mothers, Democratic Republic of Congo","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly weaning remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries because it contributes to child malnutrition, infections, and increased infant mortality. Despite World Health Organization recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, early introduction of complementary foods remains common in many settings. This study aimed to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 mothers who had at least one child. A multistage probabilistic sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess associations between early weaning and independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants of early weaning. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of early weaning was 60%. Multivariate analysis showed that low education level (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.9; 95% CI: 1.345\u0026ndash;11.292), breastfeeding difficulties (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;120.472; 95% CI: 26.72\u0026ndash;543.23), belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.072; 95% CI: 3.583\u0026ndash;40.667), and stopping breastfeeding during working hours (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11.703; 95% CI: 3.249\u0026ndash;42.152) were independent determinants of early weaning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly weaning in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone is influenced by maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, sociocultural beliefs, and work-related constraints. Strengthening breastfeeding counseling, supporting working mothers, and addressing sociocultural beliefs could reduce early weaning and improve child health outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-04-09 16:34:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9355743/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":"b11af732-0ef4-45cc-98a2-3ac6e9a55f8c","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 9th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-24T11:42:49+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-04-09 16:34:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9355743","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9355743","identity":"rs-9355743","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}