Maternal factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding failure: A community-based cross-sectional study in the north of Iran

Background To improve exclusive breastfeeding, we have to resolve challenges for mothers and babies. This study aims to determine the maternal factors causing to failure in exclusive breastfeeding. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on all infants who had attended the healthcare centers for their first 6-month vaccinations, from 2019 to 2021 in xxx, xxx. Maternal factors including demographic, social, and midwifery information were collected using a checklist. Failure of exclusive breastfeeding was defined as using anything other than breast milk, such as pacifiers, bottles, sugar water, or complementary feeding for infants during the first 6 months of age. Binary Logistic analysis examined the influence of predictor variables on exclusive breastfeeding. The significance level was considered at P < 0.05. Result Out of the 1,400 infants at the end of the study, 413 29.5% were exclusively breastfed. Multivariate regression showed education level OR: 1.42, P = 0.003 and urban residence OR: 1.89, P < 0.001 were associated with increased discontinuation, while term pregnancy OR: 0.47, P = 0.008 served as a preventive factor. Breastfeeding education OR: 6.7, P = 0.067 and breast problems OR: 6.4, P = 0.082 had a 6-fold effect on the decrease and increase of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding, respectively, although this relationship was not statistically significant. Conclusion This study showed preterm delivery, higher education and living in urban area can increase the probability of failure of exclusive breastfeeding. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers working to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding.