Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Mothers in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Background: Breastmilk contains necessary nutrients that an infant needs to grow healthy and protects an infant from infectious and chronic diseases. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in mothers. Breastmilk is safe, affordable, and healthy, and the WHO recommends that an infant receive exclusive breasting for the first half year of life to reduce malnutrition and child mortality and improve maternal health. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adolescent mothers toward exclusive breastfeeding among 194 adolescent mothers in the Nyagatare district of Eastern Province. Results: The results indicated that 85.6% of adolescent mothers understood exclusive breastfeeding. A total of 78.9% of the mothers reported having a positive attitude; however, only 27.3% of the adolescent mothers reported exclusively breastfeeding. Higher levels of education had significant effects, with adolescent mothers having primary education (AOR = 1.161, 95% CI = 1.721 - 2.319, p = 0.009), secondary education (AOR = 3.056, 95% CI = 2.006 - 5.542, p = 0.013) and positive attitudes (AOR = 5.702, 95% CI = 1.633 - 19.91, p = 0.006) Having occupation (AOR = 2.041, 95% CI = 0.556 - 7.497, p = 0.282) Urban residence (AOR = 1.622, 95% CI = 1.038 - 3.089, p = 0.007) exhibiting increased odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding compared to those with no formal education. However, having no desire for a previous pregnancy (AOR = 0.204, 95% CI = 0.051 - 0.817, p = 0.025) and having only one (AOR = 0.418, 95% CI = 0.037 - 0.792, p = 0.043) significantly decreased the odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Breastfeeding offers vital benefits, yet practices remain limited. Enhancing exclusive breastfeeding requires targeted interventions and support.