PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN A POPULATION OF LUANDA, ANGOLA, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Introduction and Objective: Exclusive breastfeeding (EB) until six months is one of the measures of highest impact in the prevention of infant deaths. The determinants of breastfeeding practices are complex and differ between populations. The objective of this research is to identify which factors are associated with the prevalence of EB in a population of Luanda, Angola. Methods: Cross-sectional, population-based study, with data collected in 2010 in the municipality of Cacuaco, suburban area of Luanda. Children under two years and their mothers were included. Prevalence ratios were estimated (PR) using Poisson regression according to a hierarchical model. Results and Conclusions: 749 children were surveyed, including 274 children under six months and their mothers. The prevalence of EB in children under six months was 51.5% (95% CI 46.3 to 56.6%). Of the 25 independent variables tested, four were associated with EB under six months: number of prenatal visits (PR 1.11 [95% CI 1.04 to 1.18]), maternal occupation (others versus autonomous) (PR 1.54 [95% CI 1.05 to 2.26]), child's age (months) (PR 0.77 [95% CI 0.71 to 0.84]) and child’s sex (female versus male) (PR 1.34 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.76]). Our findings show good prevalence of EB under six months in the study population, which is considered relevant in a context of high infant mortality. Determinants for EB practice, never surveyed before in Angola, have been identified. These data should be useful for planning actions aimed at improving child health through the promotion of EB in Angola and other countries.