Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Mothers in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Abstract

Background Breastmilk provides essential nutrients necessary for infant growth and offers protection against infectious and chronic diseases Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer in mothers The World Health Organization WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding EBF for the first six months of life to mitigate malnutrition reduce child mortality and improve maternal health Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge attitudes and practices KAP regarding EBF among 194 adolescent mothers residing in Nyagatare District Eastern Province Rwanda Results The study revealed that 85 6 of adolescent mothers had adequate knowledge of EBF and 78 9 demonstrated a positive attitude towards it However only 27 3 practiced EBF Factors significantly associated with EBF included primary education adjusted odds ratio AOR 1 161 95 confidence interval CI 1 721 2 319 p 0 009 secondary education AOR 3 056 95 CI 2 006 5 542 p 0 013 and a positive attitude AOR 5 702 95 CI 1 633 19 91 p 0 006 Employment status AOR 2 041 95 CI 0 556 7 497 p 0 282 and urban residence AOR 1 622 95 CI 1 038 3 089 p 0 007 were associated with increased odds of EBF Conversely a lack of desire for the previous pregnancy AOR 0 204 95 CI 0 051 0 817 p 0 025 and having only one child AOR 0 418 95 CI 0 037 0 792 p 0 043 significantly reduced the odds of EBF Conclusion Despite high levels of knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding the practice remains limited among adolescent mothers Promoting EBF requires comprehensive targeted interventions that address educational gaps and provide practical support