Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice (EBF), Survival Function and Factors Associated with the Early Cessation of EBF in Developing Countries

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) till first six months has been constantly discussed in terms of variable practice across societies. The reasons for this fluctuation remain speculative at this point though. Thus, to investigate the issue further considering its importance, this study was conducted which aimed at providing a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding, associated factors of early cessation and their effect on survival function of child in developing countries. The study is a literature review based current evidence found in different journals. The analysis shows the prevalence of EBF has not increased significantly and varies in different developing countries mostly hovering around 50% in best scenario and around 35% in most of the countries according to UNICEF global database of 2019. The factors most frequently associated with the breastfeeding exclusively were maternal employment, education, age, mode of delivery, post-natal care and adequacy of breast milk and the effect of these factors on the survival of baby’s has been presented by considering Kaplan-Meier survival estimates found out by different studies. The study also discussed the numerous benefits EBF have on child and mother’s health and how important it is to consider the existing viewpoints towards EBF so that the practice can be improved further in developing countries. The factors responsible for early cessation of EBF re-iterated by many studies, yet the lifesaving practice is not in satisfactory level due to largely maternal health and socioeconomic determinants. Hence, proper concerted actions required for the improvement of EBF practice in many developing countries.