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Ratan Singh, MD1, Mailud Al- Amari, MPH2, and Mahesh P . Sharma, M D2. (1) Family and Community Medicine, Al Tahady University, Sirt, Libya., PO BOX 16, Sirt, Libya, cell 091 610 1494, singhratan_2000@yahoo.com, (2) Family and Community Medicine, School of Public Health, PO Box 18251, Benghazi, Libya
The objectives of the study were to assess the pattern and maternal characteristics of breast-feeding and weaning practices in Benghazi. It was a community health study based on cross-sectional study design of 214 mothers (having babies between 12 to 23 months) during the months of June and July in 1996. Majority of the women included in the study were educated (93%), between ages of 25-34years (54.7%) and were of Para 1-3 (52.3%). Regarding feeding practices the rates of ever and exclusive breast feeders till 4months per 100 women respectively were 83.2 and 49.1. The rate of breast-feeding for 6 or more months was 24. 8 per 100 women. Weaning was completed within 6 months by 13.1%, between 7-11 months by 56.5% and between 12-23 months by 30.4% women. The type of weaning food was mostly local and home made (64.5%) compared with the practice of using commercial foods by 35.5%. The maternal characteristics of age, parity and educational status revealed no obvious influence either on ever or exclusive breast-feeding practice. Suggestions for continuous vigilance over ever developing infant feeding practices for timely interventions have been outlined.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Breast Feeding,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Faculty of Medicine, Al Tahady University, Sirt, Libya.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.