Abstract

Globally, the prevalence of EBF across 140 countries increased in the developing world from 33% in 2014 to 40%
in 2019 among infants aged 0–5 months. EBF increased in West and Central Africa by more than twofold, i.e., from
12% in 2014 to 28% in 2018). The study assessed factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating
mothers attending KIUTH in the Bushenyi district. The objectives were to determine the prevalence, sociodemographic
factors, and maternal health factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers
attending KIUTH in Bushenyi district. The study design involved 200 participants, selected by simple random
sampling, in which questionnaires were used as data collection tools. The study showed that there was a lower
percentage (72, or 36.0%) of mothers who had practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The study showed that postprimary
education, 52.8%, and age above 30 years (p-value = 0.011, OR = 0.17(0.05–1.75)) were significant factors
in practicing exclusive breastfeeding while having experienced post-partum illness (OR = 0.2790.12-4.62, p-value =
0.012), and having a breast disorder (p-value = 0.001, OR = 0.83(0.25–9.25)) were influencing no exclusive
breastfeeding. The study concluded that there was a low exclusive breastfeeding rate, and the following was
recommended: mothers attending ANC services should be health-educated about the importance of exclusive
breastfeeding; health workers should teach mothers after delivery proper positioning of the children for
breastfeeding; and mass sensitization should be done in communities regarding the importance of exclusive
breastfeeding