Effects of Decline Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Saudi Adolescent Mothers and its Risks on the Mothers’ and Infants’ Health at Jouf region
Samar Salah Eldin Mohamed Diab, Azhar Khalaf Alrwely, Ahlam Abdalla Elanzy, Ahed Rady Elkwikeby,
Nour Turky
Background: Breastfeeding is viewed as the optimal method of infant feeding that provides many benefits to both the infant and the mother. The health risks associated with formula feeding and early weaning from breastfeeding. Infants who are not breastfed experience more episodes of diarrhea, ear infections, and lower respiratory tract infections and are at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes,
and obesity. Breastfeeding also helps protect mothers from breast and ovarian cancer. Aims were: Study the reasons of decline exclusive breastfeeding practice among Saudi adolescent mothers at Jouf region. Study the impact of decline exclusive breastfeeding practice on Mothers’ and Infants’ Health at Jouf region.
Research questions: 1- What are the reasons behind spreading the phenomena of decline exclusive breastfeeding practice at Jouf region? 2- Is decline exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Saudi adolescent mothers has impact on mothers’ and infants’ health? Design was: A cross sectional descriptive survey.
Setting was: Five family medical health care centers in Al Jouf region: Shalhoub Health Center, Almokhatat health center. Qara health Center,
Sawyer Health Center and Zallum Health Center.
Sample: A Convenience sample of 200 mothers and their 200 infants.
Data collection tools: Likert scale data collection that answers the first objective study. An interview sheet that answers the second goal of the study and guiding brochures to show the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.
Results: The highest percent cause of feeding delay the next pregnancy which agree, non-availability of milk in nursing mother’s breast and work mother, was 57.0%, 56.5%, 56.0%,then the cause of affecting breastfeeding sagging breasts (47.5%), breastfeeding mother limit freedom share in social events (47%)
Conclusion : The result showed presence of significant statics (P< 0.05) in the causes of breastfeeding sagging strength of the mother’s body and affect, non-availability of milk in nursing mother’s breast, feeding delay the next pregnancy, work mother, breastfeeding mother limit freedom share in social events and breastfeeding retard a child’s growth (high significant p< 0.001)Recommendations : It is recommended
that breastfeeding patterns and practices in the KSA be re-assessed using a more appropriate research design .This is necessary to inform the breastfeeding promotion programs in this country. It is hoped that this review will serve as baseline information for any upcoming longitudinal studies on breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia or a part of it