O-34 Examining Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Barbados - A Cross-Sectional Study

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data via self-administered questionnaires completed by mothers of infants aged six to twelve months residing in Barbados. Participants attended private and public child health clinics and were recruited using systematic sampling. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months was 15%, and the mean duration was 2.27 months. Increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months were seen in mothers who had mixed ethnicity (OR 3.68, p=0.01), tertiary education (OR 2.52, p=0.02) and marital relationships (OR 2.54, p=0.03). Other results showed that offering facilities to express milk at work (OR 2.19, p=0.18) or providing contact information for breastfeeding support (OR 1.93, p=0.14) increased the odds of exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. Conversely, receiving information on infant feeding antenatally or having an infant requiring intensive care (OR 0.31, p=0.12) lowered the odds of the practice, and taking maternity leave had no impact (OR=1.02, p=1.00).

Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life in Barbados remains low. Coupled with the mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding being less than three months, there are negative implications for the health of Barbadians. The relationships between the factors identified in this study which increased exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of life can be utilised to implement strategies to increase the practice.