Knowledge and Performance of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Dibis District, Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq: A Population-based Study

Shakoor, Jenan Akbar; Mahmood, Nazar Ahmed; Salih, Asar Abdul Wahid

doi:10.33091/amj.2025.160295.2243

	Knowledge and Performance of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Dibis District, Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq: A Population-based Study
Al- Anbar Medical Journal
Volume 21, Issue 4, October 2025, Pages 284-289 PDF (503.56 K)
Document Type: Original articles
DOI: 10.33091/amj.2025.160295.2243
Authors
Jenan Akbar Shakoor^* ¹; Nazar Ahmed Mahmood¹; Asar Abdul Wahid Salih²
¹Community Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk City, Iraq
²General Health Department, Kirkuk Health Directorate, Kirkuk City, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Despite its vital role in child health, breastfeeding is often hindered by social, cultural, and health system barriers. Objectives: To assess mothers’ knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Dibis district, Kirkuk, and examine its association with selected demographic factors. Materials and Methods: A household-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Dibis, Kirkuk Governorate, from June 2020 to January 2023, involving 1823 mothers of children aged ≤ two years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of EBF, and actual breastfeeding practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze associations between sociodemographic factors and mothers' knowledge and performance. Results: Mothers’ knowledge and performance regarding EBF were at a moderate level. Significant associations were observed between EBF and the mother's level of education (P-value = 0.046). The mother’s age at marriage (P-value = 0.090) and the number of family members (P-value = 0.074) were not statistically significant. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that mothers who regularly visited primary health care centers were twice as likely to practice EBF (OR = 2.011; 95% CI: 1.263–3.203). Among all predictors, normal vaginal delivery emerged as the strongest factor, with mothers who delivered vaginally being over four times more likely to exclusively breastfeed (OR = 4.547; 95% CI: 3.181–6.496). Conclusion: Mothers showed moderate knowledge and performance, with education, delivery type, and healthcare access identified as key factors. Further research should explore cultural and systemic barriers to breastfeeding in Iraq.
Keywords
Exclusive breastfeeding; Maternal knowledge; Breastfeeding performance; Infant feeding

Statistics Article View: 280 PDF Download: 240