Exclusive Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) and its determinants in UAE

Breastfeeding is considered the ultimate method of infant feeding for at least the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding stands out as the single most effective intervention for child survival. Early introduction of complementary foods to infants below six months, inclusion of drinks other than breast milk for infants, high proportion of bottle-fed infants and delayed initiation of breastfeeding within half an hour after birth contribute to the low exclusive breastfeeding statistics.  The prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding among the study participants was 26.2%. Exclusive breastfeeding was lower among Emarati participants (21.7%) than other Arabs (30.6%). About one fifth of the participated women were practicing Predominant breasfeeding(Breastmilk +Liquids) and Infants with higher breast feeding duration most likely having exclusive breast feeding. Factors found to be associated with with Exclusive breastfeeding among the participated women were: level of mother education, father education, skin to skin period, stunting, wasting, number of children, and mother health status. Having maid at home, family size, and family income or increased family affluence were associated with increased odds ratio of mixed breastfeeding.