Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Al-Kharj Governorate, Saudi Arabia: A Logistic Regression Analysis

Afrah  Yahya Al Rezami

doi:10.48161/qaj.v6n3a2572

Authors

Afrah Yahya Al Rezami Mathematics Department, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16278, Saudi Arabia; Department of Statistics and Information, Faculty of Commerce and Economics, Sana'a University, Sana'a 1247, Yemen. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1176-0286

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v6n3a2572

Keywords:

Exclusive breastfeeding, Breastfeeding determinants, Maternal and child health, Logistic regression, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains below the WHO target in many settings, including Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to identify modifiable determinants of EBF in Al-Kharj region and examine their broader public health implications in similar socio-cultural contexts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 573 infants aged 6–12 months at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors across socio-demographic, breastfeeding practice, and cultural domains. The outcomes were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). The prevalence of EBF was 38%. Factors associated with a higher probability of EBF in the domain-specific multivariable models included more than three antenatal care visits (AOR = 11.94), frequent breastfeeding (>8 times/day) (AOR = 7.44), and colostrum feeding (AOR = 4.99). Conversely, cultural traditions discouraging breastfeeding were associated with a lower probability of EBF (AOR = 0.07), along with perceived insufficient milk (AOR = 0.22) and work or study pressures (AOR = 0.30). A fully adjusted sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of these key predictors. To improve EBF rates, public health policies should prioritize intensive prenatal counseling and community-based programs that specifically engage husbands and address deeply ingrained cultural misconceptions. Adopting Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) practices across regional primary care centers is essential.

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