Abstract

In order to achieve optimal growth, development and health, WHO recommends that infants should be exclusively breast fed for the first 6 months of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors related to 6-month exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among Myanmar migrant mothers having a child aged up to one year living in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. This cross sectional study was conducted by simple random sampling. A total of 222 lactating mothers were interviewed by structured questionnaire, and odds ratio (OR) and multiple logistic regression testing were used to analyze the data. The study population comprised lactating mothers 19-37 years of age, with a prevalence of 6-month EBF of 37%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed three variables associated with 6-month EBF, namely, attitude (OR = 5.8; 95% CI: 1.8-18.3), husband’s occupation (OR = 5.4; 95% CI: 1.8-15.7) and respondent’s previous working status (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 1.3-21.8). The study suggests that health care providers should promote EBF and develop positive attitudes towards EBF. Working mothers should receive support to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.