Psychosocial Determinants of Exclusive Breast‐Feeding in Rural Kenya

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey to assess the association between breastfeeding‐related knowledge, perception and social norms and premature cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in rural Kenya. Four‐hundred mothers with children, 0 ‐24 months participated in the survey. Mothers were asked to recall breastfeeding practices since birth. A battery of close and open‐ended questions were used to assess EBF‐related knowledge and social norms, and mothers' perception on the impact of EBF on children's health and growth, impact of EBF on mother's health and physical appearance and impact of EBF on family dynamics. Participants' knowledge and perception scores were calculated as a percentage of correctly‐answered questions. Mean knowledge and perception scores were above 75%. Over 14% and 23% of mothers indicated that EBF was not acceptable to their male partners and in‐laws, respectively. Higher knowledge levels and more positive perception on the impact of EBF on children's health, family dynamics and mother's health were each significantly associated with lower risks of premature cessation of EBF. Mothers who reported that EBF was not acceptable to either their male partners or in‐laws were significantly associated with higher risks of premature cessation of EBF. This study identifies specific determinants that need to be addressed in breast‐feeding promotion activities in rural Kenya. Psychosocial factors play an important role in determining individuals' decisions to engage in particular health‐related behaviors.