The influence of husbands on exclusive breastfeeding: A report form the Arab State of Qatar

The influence of husbands on exclusive breastfeeding: A report form the Arab State of Qatar Purpose To investigate the impact of fathers' socio-demographics factors on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in an Arab Country. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Qatar Results A total of 835 mothers were contacted for a telephone interview to fill in a survey related to EFB, and 448 mothers agreed to be interviewed (response rate 53%). The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months of age was 26%. Approximately one quarter of the fathers was between the age of 20 and 29 years and 57 % were in between 30 and 39 years of age. Almost 60% of dads attended or graduated from colleges. The study showed that women married to younger (< 40 years) men, have had lower rate of EBF compared to older fathers (22.1 % vs 30 %). We assessed different barriers that might have impeded EBF rates and linked them to the paternal socio-demographic status. When evaluating EBF barriers as a whole entity, it was found that spouses of older fathers have had a higher rate of EBF barriers compared to those married to a younger generation (78% vs. 70%). In addition, women married to college graduates have had fewer EBF barriers compared to those wedded to non-college graduates. While specifically assessing the two most common barriers that impede women in our country to exclusively breastfeed, it was found that 65% of mothers whose spouses were older than 40 years, perceived that low supply of breast milk was one of the main factors that prevented them from EBF, while 60% of mothers married to younger fathers seconded the same perception. Meanwhile, there was seemingly no influence of the father's educational level on the maternal perception of insufficient breast milk (42% vs 39%). Furthermore, it was found that fifteen percent of women married to younger dads were more likely to start the baby on formula milk earlier as they stated it was easier to use and more available as compared to 5.2 % of women who were married to older fathers (40 years and above). Conclusion Our study has shown that exclusive breastfeeding rates were lower in women married to young and college graduate men compared to ladies married to older and non-college graduate husbands. In a rapidly developing country such as the Arab Nation of Qatar, targeting young and well-educated men to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding is feasible. Social media, a place where the majority of our residents i