Sociocultural Influences On Feeding Practices Of Children Below Two Years In Babylon / Iraq

Abstract

Infant feeding practices worldwide are based on an array of factors; sociocultural factors are the most critical one. To investigate socio-cultural factors that influence the infant feeding practices of mothers attending Babylon gynecology and children teaching hospital in Babylon province/Iraq. A cross-sectional survey was employed. Mothers who have under two years child participated in the study. A tested questionnaire of eighteen inquiries was completed and chi-square test was used to associate feeding practices with different demographic characteristics. Among the mothers, the majority were between the ages of 20-29 years, unemployed, primary educated, and from low socioeconomic status. Mothers who reported having primary education were significantly more likely to exclusively breastfeed than those with higher levels of education. Mother’s socioeconomic statuses, employment status, were also influential in infant feeding practices. Some of the mothers practiced pre-lacteal feeding due to false beliefs. Proper infant feeding practices in Babylon province had many obstacles which made it away from ideal. There is a need for promotion and encouragement of optimal feeding practices for improving health of children.

Keywords: sociocultural factors, primary educated, significantly, improving health.