Factors associated with exclusive breast feeding among mothers in formal employment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: In Tanzania, only 45% of babies are still exclusively breast feeding at 4-5 months of age and maternal employment contributes to suboptimal breastfeeding practices. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months among mothers in formal employment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting: The study was conducted at reproductive and child health clinics of three hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Participants: 327 mothers in formal employment were recruited during their infants' 9-month vaccination visit.

Primary and secondary outcome measures: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on exclusive breast feeding and associated factors. Pearson's χ² was used to test for association and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent variables associated with exclusive breast feeding.

Results: The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months was 38.5% (95% CI 33%, 44%). Having rooms to express milk, breastfeeding policies and flexible work schedules were associated with exclusive breast feeding in χ² analysis. In multivariable analysis, mothers who had flexible schedules were two times more likely to practice exclusive breast feeding compared with those who did not have flexible schedules: aOR 2.58 (95% CI 1.15, 5.78).

Conclusion: Rates of exclusive breast feeding among mothers in formal employment are lower than the national average. Policies and programmes that offer flexible work schedules to this population can support exclusive breast feeding.