Exclusive Breast Feeding in a Bangladesh National Nutrition Program Area: The Case in Bhanga Upazila

Abstract

A statistically selected representative sample of 482 households in Bhanga upazila was
studied to observe mother’s knowledge and practice of the right duration of exclusive
breast-feeding in an NNP area. Although a large number of mothers knew the right
duration of exclusive breast-feeding, fewer practiced it for their last infant. Apart from
some health constratints, lack of knowledge and motivation were the main reasons for
early and late introduction of supplementary feeding.
Regular participation in GMP sessions improved mother’s knowledge of the right
duration of exclusive breast-feeding, and improved knowledge increased practice while
higher levels of mother’s literacy accelerated the learning. Literate mothers were three
times more likely and mothers who participated in GMP sessions regularly were almost
three times more likely to know the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding compared
to illiterate mothers and mothers who never participated in GMP sessions respectively.
Mothers who knew the right duration were about 28 times more likely to practice it
compared to the mothers who did not know it.
A strong public awareness campaign aimed at the mothers could better motivate them to
participate in GMP sessions more regularly leading to improved knowledge and
increased practice of the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding realizing the full
potential of NNP.