Factors affecting infant feeding choices with a focus on barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Western Jamaica: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to infants and mothers, only 33% of Jamaican infants are exclusively breastfed up to the recommend six months. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting mothers' feeding choices focusing on barriers to exclusive breastfeeding of infants six weeks to less than six months old.

Methods

A qualitative study consisting of four focus group discussion sessions was conducted among 22 mothers attending postnatal clinics in western Jamaica from May to August 2016. The transcripts were coded by three independent coders and content analysis conducted to generate themes.

Results

Four themes were identified namely, perceived advantages of breastfeeding centered mainly on the benefits of breastfeeding for th

SUBMITTER: Datnow-Martinez C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11391800 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature