Factors affecting breastfeeding initiation and duration in Zanzibar: a case study of Unguja urban and central districts

It was difficult if not impossible for Zanzibar situation to establish the level of the breastfeeding decline, because neither data nor researches have been done so far considering the issue. Such circumstances compelled the researcher to examine the overall patterns of breastfeeding by focusing on the factors which affect breastfeeding initiation and duration in Zanzibar. A total of 200 women were contacted during the study whereby 150 were from urban district and 50 were from Central District. Marked variations were noted concerning breastfeeding practices among those two Districts The findings of this study revealed that, the most prominent factors which emerged to be responsible for the declining of breastfeeding initiation and duration were education, place of residence, income and occupation. Frequency of breastfeeding was found to decline specifically in the case of breastfeeding on demand and for shorter durations, also the habit of sleeping at the same bed with infants. This was observed to the most educated, formally employed, those who owned high income and who were residing in urban areas. Also, they were noted to introduce supplementary feedings earlier. As far as the findings of this study is concerned there are various wrong practices which emerged in the part of breastfeeding initiation, which need to be addressed.