Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in Roma and non-Roma population in Serbia

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for early childhood development, although the use of adaptive milk formulas instead of breastfeeding is widespread nowadays. This study examined the prevalence of exclusively breastfed infants under the age of 6 months in non-Roma and Roma population and factors associated with this practice. Material and Methods This study is a secondary analysis of the Serbian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey investigating non-Roma and Roma infants under the age of 6 months. The study included mothers of 321 non-Roma and 164 Roma infants younger than 6 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression served to analyze factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Results The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was almost the same among mothers in both non-Roma and Roma population (13.3% vs. 13%). Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly more often (p