Associated Factors of Early Breastfeeding Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding in South Africa: Evidence From the South African Demographic and Health Survey

Background and aims: Breastfeeding is the most desirable nutritional source for 0‒6 month-old infants. The initiation of early and exclusive breastfeeding is essential as a robust primary health prevention strategy for many children. This study aimed to examine the prediction of factors associated with early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in South Africa. Methods: The required data were extracted from the South African Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A total of 3548 respondents were included in the analysis. A multivariable logistic model was applied in the analysis to examine factors associated with breastfeeding practices. Results: About 63.3% of the respondents imitated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, and 31.2% were exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months. The results demonstrated that maternal age (Odds ratio [OR]=2.49, 95% CI=1.61‒3.86, P