Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal

Received: 20 March 2024    Accepted: 9 April 2024    Published: 10 May 2024
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Introduction: The first two years of a child's life are particularly important. Inadequate breastfeeding practices during this period considerably compromise the health, development and survival of infants, children and mothers. Several studies have assessed the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality. The objectives of our study were to investigate changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices during the first six months of life according to DHS data from 2010-2011 to 2019 and to identify the various associated factors. Methodology: This is a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on cross-sectional data from the DHS from 2010-2011 to 2019 on changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under six months of age. Our study focused on women aged 15 to 49 years interviewed during the DHS and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys who had children under two years of age. Data were collected on exclusive breastfeeding rates in different years, the socio-demographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics of mothers, and the characteristics of newborn children. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Results: showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates remained below 50% from 2010-11 to 2019. Analysis by region showed a disparity between the different regions. The associated factors were: ethnic group: Wolof are less likely to practice EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.59 with a CI95: [0.38, 0. 90], maternal literacy: mothers who could not read were less likely to perform EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.71 and a CI95: [0.53-095], birth order: mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to perform EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and a CI95: [1.68-6.17], maternal occupation: Working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI95 [0.46-0.79], access to the media: Mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice assisted fertilization, with an AOR of 0.57 and a CI95: [0.37-0.90] and use of modern contraception: Mothers using modern contraception were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and a CI95: [0.38-0.72]. Conclusion: Despite all the efforts made by the Senegalese government and its technical and financial partners, rates are still low. To strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, it is important and urgent to design and implement innovative evidence-based interventions covering the different levels of the socio-ecological model (individuals, families, communities and public policies).

Published in World Journal of Public Health (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16
Page(s) 156-177
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Evolution, Excluse Breastfeeding, Associated Factors, DHS 2010-2019, Senegal

1. Introduction
Malnutrition, in the form of undernutrition, is on the increase among young children throughout the world. Nearly 149.2 million children under the age of 5 are stunted, 45.4 million are wasted and 38.9 million are overweight The consequences of malnutrition in children during the first 1000 days of life are disastrous, with high mortality and morbidity rates, as well as immune deficiencies in children in developing countries . Despite positive economic growth in West and Central Africa, the number of stunted children under five increased from 23 to 29 million between 2000 and 2018. In addition, the region is home to around 4.9 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition Several studies have shown that around 2.7 million of annual child deaths are attributable to undernutrition, or 45% of all child deaths . Infant and young child feeding is a crucial area for improving child survival and promoting healthy growth and development. The first 2 years of a child's life are particularly important because optimal nutrition during this period will reduce undernutrition, morbidity and mortality, and the risk of chronic disease, and contribute to better overall development. Breastfeeding is one of the few interventions whose survival benefits extend across the entire childhood continuum: newborn, infant and early childhood. Breastfeeding is crucial for child survival and health and has substantial benefits for mothers and infants of all socio-economic classes There is ample evidence of the importance of breastfeeding for the short- and long-term health of mothers and children. The 2016 edition of the Lancet Breastfeeding series states that the evidence for breastfeeding is stronger than ever and that recent epidemiological and biological findings over the past decade extend the known benefits of breastfeeding for women and children
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding until two years of age or beyond . Overall, these recommendations affect only a minoritý of infants and children: only 44% of infants start breastfeeding within one hour of birth and 40% of all infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed. By the age of two, 45% of children are still being breastfed
Inadequate breastfeeding practices significantly compromise the health, development and survival of infants, children and mothers. A number of studies have evaluated the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality. According to the Lancet series, suboptimal breastfeeding is estimated to be responsible for 1.4 million child deaths, and 77% of child deaths are due to non-exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life. Recent analyses show that sub-optimal breastfeeding practices, including non-exclusive breastfeeding, are the cause of 11.6% of deaths in children under 5 years of age, corresponding to 804,000 deaths in 2011 The Bellagio Child Survival Series, published in The Lancet in 2003, identified optimal breastfeeding as the key intervention that could prevent up to 13% of deaths in children under 5
According to the series of studies on breastfeeding published in The Lancet, if breastfeeding became almost universal, 823,000 deaths in children under five and 20,000 maternal deaths from breast cancer would be prevented each year. Breastfeeding promotes brain development, reduces the risk of obesitý in children and protects women from ovarian cancer and also diabetes . Thus optimal breastfeeding practices are one of the best interventions to reduce infant mortality .
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding have been observed in women and children in all countries, rich and poor alike Breastfeeding has many positive long-term effects on the health of breastfed children and their mothers . Breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood obesity , type I diabetes , type II diabetes , cardiovascular disease in later life and the risk of premenopausal breast cancer in the mother .
Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices have been shown to be extremely effective for the harmonious development of children. Optimally implemented, these practices can reduce mortality and stunted growth in young children by around 20% . They are also an investment in the development of human capital, and beneficial to a country's economy. Every dollar invested in breastfeeding generates $35 in economic benefits . It is therefore essential to promote appropriate feeding practices during pregnancy and the first years of life. Breastfeeding is essential to achieving global goals for nutrition, health and survival, economic growth and ecological sustainabilitý. In developing countries, the absence of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, is a major risk factor for morbiditý and mortalitý for infants and children, especially following diarrhea disease or acute respiratory infection.
In West and Central Africa, only three out of 10 babies under six months are exclusively breastfed. Seven out of 10 infants receive liquids and foods in addition to breast milk during their first six months of life, contributing to malnutrition, illness and even child deaths. Most breastfed babies receive other liquids and foods, in most cases water is given . The highest risk of inappropriate feeding during the first 6 months of life occurs in developing countries, where 96% of total infant mortality is due to sub-optimal breastfeeding .
In Senegal, according to the results of the 2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 42% of children under six months of age are exclusively breastfed, with a median duration of 2 months . Despite the efforts of the government and its technical and financial partners, this situation has remained virtually unchanged over the past 10 years, according to data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019 .
The objectives of our study are therefore to
1) To study changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices in the first six months of life according to data from the Demographic and Health Survey from 2010 to 2019.
2) To identify the different factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices in the first six months of life in Senegal.
2. Study Framework
The study was carried out in Senegal, which has 14 regions and 16,705,608 inhabitants in 2020, the majority of whom are young people with an average age of 19. It is made up of the following ethnolinguistic groups: Wolof, Séréres, Poulars, Mandingues, Diolas and Soninké. Women make up 50.23% of the population and the total fertility rate is estimated at 4.93 children per woman . The school enrolment rate between 2014 and 2018 fell from 85.5% to 80.9 for primary education and 50.2 to 43.7 for secondary education . Senegal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) posted growth of more than 5% in 2019 . With agriculture, exports and infrastructure investments undertaken as part of the Emerging Senegal Plan being the main drivers of this economic growth. In 2020, under the impact of COVID-19, growth slowed sharply to an estimated 1.3%. With almost half the population (46.7%) living below the national poverty line, economic growth has not translated into an improvement in the well-being of the Senegalese population . Senegal's Human Development Index (HDI) for 2018 stands at 0.514, placing the country 166 nth out of 189 countries and territories.
Maternal and infant/child mortality indicators show downward trends, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 236 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 . As for infant mortality, it fell from 72 ‰ in 2010 to 37 ‰ in 2019 . According to DHS 2019 data, access to antenatal care is satisfactory in Senegal with almost 98% of pregnant women having received antenatal care from qualified health personnel. According to place of residence, 99.4% of women in urban areas and 96.5% of women in rural areas received antenatal care from qualified health personnel. In terms of economic well-being quintile, 99.9% of women in the highest quintile and 92.8% of women in the lowest quintile received antenatal care from qualified health personnel. In 2019, 80% of births took place in a health facility, and 74% of births were attended by skilled health personnel. .
The nutritional situation of women of childbearing age reflects their dietary vulnerability, manifested by the coexistence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies. According to the latest estimates for 2017, just over one in two women of childbearing age is anemic , most often due to iron deficiency . These micronutrient deficiencies are compounded by the coexistence of two forms of malnutrition: energy deficiency in 23% of women and overweight/obesity in 7% of women .
As for children under five, in 2019, 8% and 18% suffer from wasting and stunting respectively . Anemia affects 71% of children. Zinc deficiency affects 50.1% and vitamin A deficiency 24.4% . This worrying nutritional situation in children under 5 may be partly due to sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices. Although breastfeeding remains universal in Senegal, with 98% of children being breastfed, the practice of breastfeeding in accordance with international and national recommendations remains suboptimal, as the results of the DHS 2019 showed that among children aged 6-23 months, only 10% were fed the minimum acceptable diet for their age. According to the DHS 2019, early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth was achieved in 30% of newborns and breastfeeding was exclusive for only 41% of infants under six months of age. The minimum food intake is acceptable for only one child in 10; the diets of these young children are characterized by poor diversification of foods (23.3%) and an insufficient number of meals (36.9%) . Sweet snacks are beginning to play an important role in the diets of these young children, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas.
3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Type of Study

We conducted out a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on cross-sectional data from the EDS- continuous from 2010-2011 to 2019 on changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under six months of age and the factors associated with this.

3.2. Study Population

Our study focused on women aged 15-49 who were interviewed during the Demographic and Health Survey Continuous (DHS-c) and who had children aged 0-59 months living with their mother and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys.
With regard to the question of exclusive breastfeeding, the population studied was women aged 15-49 with children under two years old.

3.3. Sampling

For the 2010-2011 and 2017 DHSs, representativeness was up to the level of the 14 regions , and for the 2012-2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 DHSs representativeness was at the level of the large Central, Southern, Northern and Western zones of the country.
The sample was based on a two-stage stratified random sample for all DHS. However, the number of clusters used as the primary sampling unit differs from year to year. For the 2010-2011 DHS and the 2017 DHS, the primary sampling unit is made up of 400 clusters. For the 2012-2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019 DHSs, the primary sampling unit consists of 200 clusters. These clusters were drawn from the list of Enumeration Zones (EZ) established during the 2013 General Census of Population and Housing, Agriculture and Livestock (GCPHAL) . Secondary units are households. For all DHSs, the same number of households is drawn for each cluster. There are 22 households per cluster. A count of households in each of these clusters provided a list of households from which a sample of 22 households per cluster was drawn in the second stage, in both urban and rural areas, with a systematic draw of equal probability. In each household, all women aged 15 to 49 were interviewed. In addition, in a sub-sample of one household in two, all men aged 15-59 were eligible to be surveyed. Our study focused on women aged 15-49 who were interviewed during the various DHSs. With regard to exclusive breastfeeding, for each woman aged 15-49, the survey covered the last-born child under the age of two living with the mother and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys. For the 2010-2011 and 2017 DHSs, at least 8,800 households were surveyed, and for the other years, at least 4,400 households were selected. All women aged 15-49 living in the selected households or present the night before the interview were eligible to be interviewed.
The table 1 shows the number of households selected, the number of households surveyed, the household response rate, the number of eligible women, the number of women surveyed, the response rate among women aged 15-49 and the number of women aged 15-49 with children under two. (see Table 1)

3.4. Data Collection

3.4.1. Data Collection Tools

Four questionnaires were used in the DHS-c: the household questionnaire, the women's questionnaire, the men's questionnaire, and the specific biomarker questionnaire for anthropometric measurements.
The household questionnaire was used to record all household members and to identify women, men and children eligible for individual interviews and/or anthropometric measurements. Information on household characteristics and data on the situation of children were collected.
The individual women's questionnaire was used to record information from women aged 15-49. The individual questionnaire for men aged 15-59 was identical to that used for women aged 15-49. The biomarker questionnaire was used to record anthropometric data (weight and height) collected from children under 5 years of age.
With regard to data collection, the questionnaires used were based on the model questionnaires of The DHS Program and were adapted to take account of the demographic and health problems appropriate to Senegal.
Four questionnaires were used in the DHS-c of 2017 and 2018: the household questionnaire, the women's questionnaire, the men's questionnaire, and the specific biomarker questionnaire for anthropometric measurements.
For the DHS 2010-2011, 2019, 2014, 2015 and 2016, three questionnaires were used: a household questionnaire, an individual questionnaire for women aged 15-49 and an individual questionnaire for men aged 15-59. For the 2012-2013 DHS, two questionnaires were used: a household questionnaire and an individual questionnaire for women aged 15-49.
The content of the different questionnaires was identical for all the DHSs.
The household questionnaire was used to record all household members and visitors who had slept the night before the interview, along with certain socio-demographic characteristics. The questionnaire was also used to identify women, men and children eligible for individual interviews and/or anthropometric measurements. It was also used to collect information on household characteristics.
The individual women's questionnaire was used to record information from women aged 15-49 who were residents or visitors the night before the interview.
The individual men's questionnaire is independent of the women's questionnaire, but most of the questions asked of men aged 15-59 are identical to those asked of women aged 15-49.
The biomarker questionnaire records anthropometric data (weight and height) collected from children under 5.
Once the collection tools had been finalized, the survey protocol and questionnaires were sent to the National Ethics Committee for Health Research (NECHR) for analysis and approval. For the DHS 2017, the NECHR authorized́ the survey by letter N°0035 Ministry of Health and Social Action / Directorate of Planning, Research and Statistics / National Ethical Committee for Health Research (MHSA/DPRS/NECHR), dated 3 April 2017. This survey also obtained the visa of the ICF Ethics Committee (Institutional Review Board).

3.4.2. Data Collected

The following data were collected:
Independent variable: practice of exclusive breastfeeding
Characteristics of mothers: mother's age, place of residence, religion, ethnic origin, household wealth quintile, mother's level of education, literacy, early marriage, age 1st marriage, polygamy, Household Size, Occupation of mothers’, Mother's health care decision, Time taken to search for water, Access to media, distance travelled to seek healthcare,.
Gyneco-obstetrical characteristics: Prenatal consultation, place of delivery, delivery by a qualified person, Use modern contraception, Césarienne.
Characteristics of newborn: Birth rank sex, birth weight.
These independent variables were chosen on the basis of a literature review.

3.4.3. Data Processing

Data was collected using tablet PCs. After validation of the data in the field, the data files were transferred to the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (NASD) central office in Dakar by Census District (CD). These data files were then recorded, compiled and processed on a central computer. The data from each CD was checked and a single file of audited data was created after the files from all the RDs had been registered and approved. The recording, checking and compilation of the data were carried out by two IT specialists recruited for the purposes of DHS- continuous. Once the files had been merged, the last errors detected were dealt with the support of ICF International's IT experts.

3.5. Data Analysis

A secondary analysis of DHS-c data from 2010-2011 to 2019 was carried out to study changes in exclusive breastfeeding indicators in Senegal.
To determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding, we used data from the DHS 2017. We proceeded as follows:
1) Descriptive analysis was used to study changes in data on exclusive breastfeeding practices at the national and regional levels, based on the results of the DHSs from 2010-2011 to 2019. For qualitative variables, frequencies were calculated and for quantitative variables, means and standard deviations were calculated.
2) Bivariate analysis: This was done to determine the relationship between the dependent variable EBF and the independent variables. A significance level of 5% was used to determine the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables.
3) Multivariate analysis: a multivariate logistic regression analysis using data from the DHS-c 2017 to identify the main factors associated with EBF. The dependent variable was the proportion of children aged 0-6 months exclusively breastfed. We then estimated the Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) using the logistic regression model. A Wald test was performed to compare the multivariate model with a null model.
For the logistic regression analysis, pre-selection of predictors was not employed as our aim was to assess the association of all factors used in the study, so all factors were introduced simultaneously. The Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and the likelihood ratio test , statistical tests that compare the null model with the multivariate model, were calculated for all models. Both statistical tests had p-values of less than 0.05, confirming the statistical validity of the multivariate model. Model goodness-of-fit was investigated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test .

3.6. Limits

These are due to the fact that this is a secondary analysis and there are missing data for some variables.

3.7. Ethical Considerations

Ethically, the information provided in the study was confidential and kept in a safe place at the Ministry. The selected individuals will not be identified in the results and presentation of the data. Their names will not appear on any documents.
Participation in the study for those surveyed was free and voluntary. An informed consent form was offered to the participants, read and approved. It provided all the information needed to understand and make a decision to participate. No form of financial or material incentive or compensation was given to participants.
4. Results
Our study focused on women aged 15-49 interviewed during the DHS and having children aged 0-59 months living with their mother and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys. For the question of exclusive breastfeeding, the analysis focused on the sample of women aged 15-49 with children under the age of two living in Senegal at the time of the DHS. For the 2010-2011 DHS, the sample comprised 4502 women, for 2012-2013: 2512, for 2014: 2377, for 2015: 2399, for 2016: 2312, for 2017: 4368, for 2018: 2434 and for 2019: 2336.

4.1. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding from 2010-2011 to 2019

4.1.1. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding at the National Level

Exclusive breastfeeding rates have remained below 50% from 2010-11 to 2019. After a steady decline from 2010-11 to 2015, from 38.6% to 33%, we note an increase of 3 percentage points between 2015 and 2016, then an increase of 9 percentage points between 2016 and 2018. In 2019, the rate fell by 4.4 percentage points between 2018 and 2019 (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Changes in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding from 2010 to 2019, DHS-C 2010-11 to 2019.

4.1.2. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding at the Regional Level

The analysis by region was only carried out for DHSs from 2010-2011 to 2017, as regional data were not available for 2019. (Figure 2)
The Diourbel and Matam regions show constant rates between the different years. The Kédougou region has the highest rates of all regions. The other regions show irregular trends.
Figure 2. Trends in EBF at regional level (DHS, 2010-2011 to 2017).

4.1.3. Ranking of Regions According to the National Average for 2010-2017

The national average breastfeeding rate for 2010-2011 to 2017 is 38%. Table 3 shows the average exclusive breastfeeding rates by region over the period 2010-11 to 2017. The Kédougou region has the highest average rate. The ranking of regions according to regional averages puts Kaolack, Fatick, Tambacounda, Kaffrine, Matam and Diourbel at the bottom of the scale. The other regions have rates above the national average.
Figure 3. Regional averages for 2010-2017 and ranking of regions according to the national average for 2010-2017.

4.2. Descriptive Results According to the DHS 2017 Data

(i). Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Mother
The socio-demographic characteristics of the mother are summarized in Table 2. The average age was 28.6 years, with a standard deviation of 6.9. The 25-29 age group (25.2%) is the most represented, followed by the 20-24 age group (22.5%). The majority of women live in rural areas (64.1). Almost all of them are Muslims (97.4). Wolof is the most represented ethnic group (36.2). The poor and poorest represent 46.7% of our sample. Around 60% of women have received no education and almost 66% cannot read. Early marriage before the age of 18 occurred among 44.5% of the women and 12.7% married before the age of 15. Around 73% of women were in polygamous marriages, and households of more than 8 people were the most common, at 74.2%. A further 47% of mothers had no occupation. The decision to seek care came from the husband in almost 75% of cases, 91.8% had access to the media and 28.4% travelled more than 15 km to access care.
(ii). Distribution of Gyneco-Obstetrical Characteristics of Mother
Almost 50% of mothers had performed four or more PNCs. 76.3% of mothers gave birth in a public facility, 70.6% were assisted during delivery by qualified personnel, 70.8% used modern contraception and only 5.7% of mothers received caesarean section. (See table 3)
(iii). Distribution of Child Characteristics
In our study, the majority of children (24.7%) were born in the first row. The sex ratio was 1.02 and 90.3% had a birth weight of 2500g or more. (See table 4)

4.3. Analysis Result

(i). Bivariate Analysis
The results of the bivariate analysis are presented in table 5. The average age was higher among women who did not practice EBF (p=0.032).
The practice of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with:
1) Women's literacy: mothers who know part or all of a sentence are more likely to practice EBF (p=0.027).
2) Assistance during childbirth by qualified personnel, those who are assisted are more likely to practice EBF with a P=0.028.
3) Mothers' occupation: those without an occupation were more likely to practice EBF than those with an occupation (p<0.001).
4) Access to the media, mothers who did not have access to the media practiced EBF more than those who did, with a P= 0.003.
5) Use of modern contraceptives: mothers who9 did not use modern contraceptives practiced BEF more than mothers on contraceptives, with P<0.001.
6) Mode of delivery: mothers who had a vaginal delivery were more likely to use EBF (P=0.022).
(ii). Multivariate Analysis
Multivariate analysis enabled us to determine the factors associated with practicing exclusive breastfeeding. (See table 6). The results showed the factors associated with the practice of breastfeeding:
Mother's age: mother's age is not associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
1) Group ethnic: les Wolof ont moins de chance de pratiquer l’EBF avec AOR ajusté de 0.59 avec un IC95: [0.38, 0.90].
2) Mothers' literacy: mothers who cannot read are less likely to practice EBF with an AOR of 0.71 and CI95: [0.53-095].
3) Birth order: mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to practice EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and CI95: [1.68-6.17].
4) Maternal occupation: working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI95 of [0.46-0.79].
5) Access to the media: mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice EBF, with an AOR of 0.57 and a CI95: [0.37-0.90].
6) Use of modern contraception: Mothers who use modern contraception are less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and a CI95: [0.38-0.72].
5. Discussion

5.1. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Senegal According to the DHS from 2010-2011 to 2019

Breastfeeding contributes to the health of both mother and child. Today, the benefits of breastfeeding are well documented in the literature, and its protective effect depends on its duration and exclusivity . In Senegal, breastfeeding is common practice. However, the results of our study show that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is fluctuating according to DHS data from 2010-2011 to 2019. Senegal is below WHO standards for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of childhood. Over the past ten years, exclusive breastfeeding has remained suboptimal for more than half of infants under six months of age in Senegal. Exclusive breastfeeding has improved in recent years, but efforts are still needed to enable the majority of infants to benefit from this practice and for the country to reach the 2025 global target of all countries reaching at least 50% .
There are also disparities between regions. The regions of Kaolack, Fatick, Tambacounda, Kaffrine, Matam and Diourbel are below the national average. This situation could be explained by the level of poverty in these regions, but also by the heat levels in these regions, which vary between 39 and 42 degrees. Mothers in these regions, even if they don't give their children from 0 to 6 months soft or solid food, very often give them water, an act they justify by saying that with the heat, they don't have enough milk and the child is often thirsty. So, in the challenge of achieving equitable development results for all Senegal's children, these regions are becoming priorities for all programs to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.
Boubacar G., in a study of factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 6 to 12 months in the commune of Kaolack (Senegal), found that out of 400 women surveyed, 51.8% practiced exclusive breastfeeding in accordance with WHO recommendations . This rate is higher than the average rate of EBF in the Kaolack region. Another study carried out in the city of Thiès showed an EBF rate of 41.5%, which is higher than the average rate for the region found in our study . The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Senegal is lower than in Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda, which are among the continent's champions, with rates of over 60%. However, Senegal has higher rates than Côte d'Ivoire (12%) and Nigeria (17%) .

5.2. Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding

In this study, maternal age was not associated with exclusive breastfeeding. This result is similar to that of the study carried out in Côte d'Ivoire, which also showed that age had no statistically significant relationship with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding .
The results showed that ethnic group was associated with the practice of EBF: Wolofs were less likely to practice EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.59 with a 95% CI: [0.38, 0.90]. However, the study conducted by Alive & Thrive and UNICEF on the actors influencing exclusive breastfeeding and other infant feeding practices during the first six months of life in West and Central Africa showed no association with ethnicity .
The practice of EBF was associated with the mother's level of literacy. Mothers who could not read were less likely to practice EBF, with an AOR of 0.71 and an IC95: [0.53-095]. This result tends to differ from the reality in developing countries for many years, where newborns of illiterate mothers were 1.9 times more likely to be breastfed than those whose mothers had attended seven years of school . However, results from Alive & Thrive and UNICEF showed that higher levels of maternal education were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices .
The practice of EBF was associated with the mother's level of literacy. Mothers who could not read were less likely to practice EBF, with an AOR of 0.71 and an IC95: [0.53-095]. This result tends to differ from the reality in developing countries for many years, where newborns of illiterate mothers were 1.9 times more likely to be breastfed than those whose mothers had attended seven years of school . However, results from Alive & Thrive and UNICEF showed that higher levels of maternal education were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices .
With regard to the order of birth of children, mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to practice EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and a CI95: [1.68-6.17]. This can be explained by the fact that these multiparous mothers very often attend health facilities for prenatal consultations, deliveries and postnatal consultations. Access to quality health services encourages exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding advice and support are essential for improving breastfeeding practices. Antenatal and postnatal care provide an opportunity to advise pregnant women and mothers on infant and young child feeding, and particularly on early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months, and its advantages and benefits for both mother and child. This result is corroborated by other authors who emphasize in the literature that professional support has a positive impact on breastfeeding mothers . Support from healthcare professionals is a key factor in the success of breastfeeding . In fact, support received at three days of life is associated with continued breastfeeding . Beake S. et al report that a structured breastfeeding support program has a positive effect on breastfeeding rates . In Mali, too, a study showed that advice given during pregnancy and the postpartum period had a protective effect on EBF (OR = 0.64) . It is important that professionals are willing to talk to parents and do not pressure them to make an informed choice about how to feed their child.
The mother's occupation: working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI95 of [0.46-0.79]. This result is similar to that of Grummer who also found in his study that children living in households of higher socio-economic status were significantly less likely to be breastfed . This could be explained by the fact that working mothers have less time to devote to feeding their child and tend to use breast-milk substitutes.
Mothers with access to the media were less likely to breastfeed, with an OR of 0.57 and an IC95 of [0.37-0.90]. Mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice EBF, which could be explained by exposure to inopportune advertising using all channels to promote breast-milk substitutes. A multinational study on the impact of the marketing of infant formula on infant feeding decisions and practices, commissioned by the WHO and UNICEF and based on the experience of more than 8,500 women and over 300 health professionals in eight countries (South Africa, Bangladesh, China, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Vietnam) showed that more than half (51%) of parents and pregnant women are exposed to aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes, which very often contravenes international infant-feeding standards .
Regarding the use of modern contraception: mothers who use modern contraception are less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and an IC95: [0.38-0.72]. This could be explained by the fact that women who use contraception have professional occupations that may reduce the amount of time they spend at home, thus hindering the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Grummer also found that the increase in contraceptive use and changes in childbearing patterns contributed to a reduction in breastfeeding .
6. Conclusions
Breastfeeding is essential to give every child the best start in life and to ensure good health. However, the study analyzed the evolution of breastfeeding rates according to the DHS data in Senegal, which enabled us to see the level of achievement of the indicators and the factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Despite all the efforts made by the Senegalese government and its technical and financial partners, rates are still low. In Senegal, efforts still need to be made in terms of exclusive breastfeeding in relation to the World Health Assembly's global targets for 2025, which call for all countries to achieve a rate of at least 50%. The study showed that several factors were associated with the practice of breastfeeding. These include ethnicity, mother's literacy, child's birth rank, mother's occupation, access to the media and use of modern contraceptives. To strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, it is important and urgent to design and implement innovative evidence-based interventions targeting the different levels of the socio-ecological model (individuals, families, communities and public policies).
Abbreviations
AOR: Adjusted Odds Ratios
BIC: Bayesian Information Criterion
CD: Census District
DHS-c: Demographic and Health Survey Continuous
DHS: Demographic and Health Survey
DPRS: Direction of Planning Research and Statistics
EZ: Enumeration Zones
GCPHAL: General Census of Population and Housing, Agriculture and Livestock
GDP: Gross Domestic Product
HDI: Human Development Index
MHSA: Ministry of Health and Social Action
NASD: National Agency for Statistics and Demography
NECHR: National Ethics Committee for Health Research
UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund
WHO: World Health Organization
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
The Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie of Senegal
The Ministry of Health and Social Action
The National Council for Nutrition Development
The technical and financial partners
All those who agreed to participate in the various DHS surveys
Author Contributions
Maty Diagne Camara: Conceptualization, Data curation, Supervision, Methodology, writing – original draft, Project administration, Writing – review & editing
Ibrahima Ndiaye: Methodology, Writing – original draft
Aboubacry Dramé: Formal Analysis, Software, Validation, Methodology, Resources
Boubacar Gueye: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing
Oumar Bassoum: Supervision, Validation, Investigation, Visualization
Anna Touré: Methodology, Writing – original draft,
Aita Sarr-Cisse: Funding acquisition
Aminata Ndiaye Coly: Funding acquisition
Maguette Fall Beye: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Nafissatou Ba Lo: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Funding
This study was financed by Alive & Thrive and United Nations Children's Fund.
Data Availability Statement
The data is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Appendix
Table 1. Distribution of number of households selected, the number of households interviewed, the household response rate, the number of eligible women aged 15-49, the number of women aged 15-49 interviewed, response rate for women aged 15-49. and the number of women aged 15 to 49 with children under two years old.

DHS surveys

2010-1011

2012-2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Number of households selected

8212

4 399

4 400

1 846

4 708

8 800

4 708

4 708

Number of households surveyed

7902

4 175

4 231

1 754

4 437

8 380

4 592

4 538

Household response rate (%)

98,40

98,70

98,70

98,20

98,60

98,30

99,40

99,10

Number of eligible women

16931

9 042

8 831

3 367

9 244

17 586

9 673

8 998

Number of eligible women surveyed

15688

8 636

8 488

3 244

8 865

16 787

9 414

8 649

Response rate for eligible women (%)

92,20

95,50

96,10

96,30

95,90

95,50

97,30

96,1

Number of women aged 15-49 with children under two surveyed

4502

2512

2377

2399

2312

4416

2434

2336

Table 2. Distribution of socio-demographic characteristics of mothers.

Socio-demographic characteristics

Frequency absolute N=4368

Frequency Relative (%)

Mother's age

15-19

377

8.6

20-24

985

22.5

25-29

1,102

25.2

30-34

976

22.3

35-39

601

13.8

40-44

268

6.1

45-49

58

1.3

Place of residence (4367)

rural

2,798

64.1

urban

1,57

35.9

Religion

Muslim

4,255

97.4

Chistian

112

2.6

Unknow

1

Ethnic group

Wolof

1,583

36.2

Poular

1,207

27.6

Serere

793

18.2

Mandingue/Socé

264

6.0

Autres

522

11.9

Household wealth quintile

poorest

1,068

24.4

poorer

975

22.3

middle

901

20.6

richer

751

17.2

richest

674

15.4

Mother's level of education

No eduque

2,614

59.9

Primary

935

21.4

Secondary

696

15.9

High

122

2.8

Literacy

Able to read only parts of or Whole sentence

1,486

34.2

Cannot read

2,853

65.8

Unknown

29

Early marriage

No

2,348

55.5

Yes

1,881

44.5

Unknown

139

Age 1st marriage

Before 15 years

537

12.7

15-17 years

1,344

31.8

From age 18

2,348

55.5

Unknown

139

Polygamy

Non

2,982

72.9

Oui

1,107

27.1

Unknown

279

Household Size

Large household (8)

3,243

74.2

Medium household (8 and 5)

745

17.1

Small household (5)

380

8.7

Occupation of mothers’

Non

1,923

46.8

Oui

2,186

53.2

Unknown

259

Mother's health care decision

Husband

3,057

74.6

Wife herself

954

23.3

Someone else

70

1.7

Other

15

0.4

Unknown

272

Time taken to search for water

On site

2,604

62.7

At least One hour

1,462

35.2

Less than an hour

86

2.1

Unknown

216

Access to media

Yes

4,008

91.8

No

360

8.2

Distance travelled to seek healthcare

more than 15 km

1,241

28.4

less than 15 km

3,127

71.6

Table 3. Gyneco-obstetrical characteristics of mother.

Gyneco-obstetrical characteristics

Frequency absolute

Frequency Relative (%)

Prenatal consultation (PNC)

4PNC++

1,84

49.5

Less than 4 PCN

1,799

48.4

No visit PCN

76

2.0

Unknown

653

Place of delivery

Public

3,321

76.3

Home

808

18.6

Private

165

3.8

Other

56

1.3

Unknown

18

Delivery assistance by qualified personnel

Yes

3,084

70.6

No

1,284

29.4

Use modern contraception

Yes

3,094

70.8

No

1,274

29.2

Cesarean delivery

No

4,119

94.3

Yes

248

5.7

Unknown

1

Table 4. Distribution of Child characteristics.

Child characteristics

Frequency absolute

Frequency Relative (%)

Birth rank

1 rank

1,079

24.7

2 rank

847

19.4

3 rank

658

15.1

4 rank

544

12.5

5 rank

394

9.0

6 rank

845

19.4

Sex

Male

2,207

50.5

Female

2,161

49.5

Birth weight

>= 2500g

2,714

90.3

< 2500 g

292

9.7

Unknown

1,362

Table 5. Facteurs associés à la pratique de l’allaitement maternel exclusive.

Independent variables

Exclusive breastfeeding practice

No N = 3887

Yes N = 481

p-value

Mother's average age and standard deviation

28.7 Ecart type:6.9

27.8 Ecart type:7.0

0.032

Mother's age

0.7

15-19

328 (86.8%)

50 (13.2%)

20-24

872 (88.6%)

112 (11.4%)

25-29

974 (88.4%)

128 (11.6%)

30-34

883 (90.5%)

93 (9.5%)

35-39

534 (88.8%)

67 (11.2%)

40-44

243 (90.6%)

25 (9.4%)

45-49

53 (90.6%)

6 (9.4%)

Place of residence

0.7

Rural

2,485 (88.8%)

313 (11.2%)

Urban

1,402 (89.3%)

168 (10.7%)

Religion

0.11

Chistian

94 (83.5%)

19 (16.5%)

Muslim

3,793 (89.1%)

462 (10.9%)

Unknown

1

0

Ethnic group

0.2

Autres

446 (85.5)

76 (14.5)

Mandingue/Socé

235 (89.1)

29 (10.9)

Poular

1,072 (88.8)

135 (11.2)

Serere

722 (91.1)

71 (8.9)

Wolof

1,412 (89.2)

171 (10.8)

Household wealth quintile

0.9

Middle

802 (89.0%)

99 (11.0%)

Poorer

860 (88.2%)

115 (11.8%)

Poorest

957 (89.7%)

110 (10.3%)

richer

664 (88.4%)

87 (11.6%)

richest

604 (89.6%)

70 (10.4%)

Mother's level of education

0.2

High

108 (88.3%)

14 (11.7%)

No eduque

2,353 (90.0%)

261 (10.0%)

Primary

822 (88.0%)

113 (12.0%)

Secondary

603 (86.6%)

93 (13.4%)

Unknown

0

0

Literacy

0.027

Able to read only parts or whole sentence

1,295 (87.2%)

190 (12.8%)

Cannot read

2,570 (90.1%)

284 (9.9%)

Unknown

22

7

Early marriage

0.5

No

2,081 (88.6%)

267 (11.4%)

Yes

1,680 (89.3%)

200 (10.7%)

Unknown

126

13

Age at first marriage

0.8

Under 15

478 (89.0)

59 (11.0)

15-17 years old

1,202 (89.5)

141 (10.5)

From age 18

2,081 (88.6)

267 (11.4)

Unknown

126

13

Birth rank

0.3

1 rank

950 (88.1)

129 (11.9)

2 rank

772 (91.2)

75 (8.8)

3 rank

575 (87.4)

83 (12.6)

4 rank

487 (89.6)

57 (10.4)

5 rank

354 (89.8)

40 (10.2)

6 rank

748 (88.5)

97 (11.5)

PreNatal Consultation (PNC)

0.6

4 PNC ++

1,625 (88.3)

216 (11.7)

Less than 4 PNC

1,597 (88.8)

202 (11.2)

No PNC

70 (91.8)

6 (8.2)

Unknown

595

57

Place of delivery

0.5

Other

51 (90.6)

5 (9.4)

Home

730 (90.3)

78 (9.7)

Private

151 (91.6)

14 (8.4)

Public

2,942 (88.6)

379 (11.4)

Unknown

13

5

Birth assistance by qualified personnel

0.028

No

1,165 (90.7)

119 (9.3)

Yes

2,722 (88.3)

362 (11.7)

Polygamy

0.3

No

2,634 (88.4)

347 (11.6)

Yes

994 (89.7)

114 (10.3)

Unknown

259

20

Household Size

0.7

Large household (>8)

2,877 (88.7)

366 (11.3)

Medium household (≤8 and>5)

671 (90.1)

74 (9.9)

Small household (≤5)

339 (89.2)

41 (10.8)

Mother's occupation

<0.001

No

1,645 (85.6)

278 (14.4)

Yes

2,000 (91.5)

187 (8.5)

Unknown

242

17

Mother's health care decision

0.8

Other

14 (93.3)

1 (6.7)

Woman herself

848 (88.9)

106 (11.1)

Husband

2,708 (88.6)

349 (11.4)

Someone else

65 (92.1)

6 (7.9)

Unknown

253

19

Time taken to find water

0.9

At least one hour

1,303 (89.1)

159 (10.9)

Less than an hour

76 (88.4)

10 (11.6)

On site

2,327 (89.4)

277 (10.6)

Unknown

181

35

Media access

0.003

No

303 (84.2)

57 (15.8)

Yes

3,584 (89.4)

424 (10.6)

Distance travelled to seek healthcare

0.3

More than 15 km

1,115 (89.8)

127 (10.2)

Less than 15 km

2,772 (88.7)

354 (11.3)

Use contraception moderne

<0.001

No

2,695 (87.1)

399 (12.9)

Yes

1,193 (93.6)

82 (6.4)

Caesarean section

0.022

No

3,652 (88.7)

467 (11.3)

Yes

234 (94.5)

14 (5.5)

Unknown

1

0

Sex

0.9

Female

1,922 (89.0)

239 (11.0)

Male

1,965 (89.0)

242 (11.0)

Birth weight

0.8

≥ 2500 g

2,381 (87.7)

333 (12.3)

<2500 g

258 (88.3)

34 (11.7)

Unknown

1,249

114

Table 6. Factors associated with not practicing Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Characteristic

AOR1

95% CI1

Age of Mother

45-49

15-19

2.47

0.61, 12.8

20-24

2.56

0.73, 12.1

25-29

2.70

0.82, 12.3

30-34

1.68

0.53, 7.49

35-39

1.64

0.52, 7.29

40-44

0.75

0.21, 3.64

Ethnie

Serere

Autres

0.58

0.35, 0.95

Mandingue/Socé

0.86

0.48, 1.55

Poular

0.84

0.54, 1.30

Wolof

0.59

0.38, 0.90

Literacy

Able to read only parts of sentence or whole sentence

Cannot read

0.71

0.53, 0.95

Birth rank

1

2

1.18

0.76, 1.83

3

1.54

0.94, 2.53

4

1.71

0.97, 3.02

5

1.82

0.95, 3.47

A partir de 6

3.20

1.68, 6.17

Mother's occupation

Non

Oui

0.60

0.46, 0.79

Media access

Non

Oui

0.57

0.37, 0.90

Use contraception moderne

Non

Oui

0.53

0.38, 0.72

Birth weight

Non (>=2,5Kg)

Oui (<2,5 kg)

0.71

0.43, 1.12

References
[1] World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) & World Bank. and trends in child malnutrition: UNICEF /WHO / The World Bank Group joint child malnutrition estimates: In: key findings of the 2021edition. World Health Organization, 2021.
[2] Black RE, Victora CG, Walker SP, Bhutta ZA, Parul C, De Onis M, Ezzati M, Grantham-McGS, Katz J, Martorell R and R Uauy Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet, 2013; Volume 382, ISSUE 9890, P427-451, June 06, 2013
[3] UNICEF-OMS-Groupe de la Banque mondiale. Child malnutrition estimates for the indicators stunting, wasting, overweight and underweight describe the magnitude and patterns of under- and overnutrition. UNICEF-WHO-WB Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates inter-agency group updates regularly the global and regional estimates in prevalence and numbers for each indicator. Edition d’avril 2021. Consulté le 2 Mai 2022.
[4] ALIVE AND THRIVE:
[5] Black RE, Allen LH, Bhutta ZA et al, for the Maternal and Child Undernutrition Group. Maternal and child undernutrition: global and regional exposures and health consequences. Lancet. 2008; 371: 243-260.
[6] Nigel C Rollins, MD, Nita Bhandari, PhD, Nemat Hajeebhoy, MHS, Susan Horton, PhD, Chessa K Lutter, PhD, Jose C Martines, PhD et al. Why invest, and what it will take to improve breastfeeding practices? SERIES|BREASTFEEDING| The Lancet VOLUME 387, ISSUE 10017, P491-504, JANUARY 30, 2016 Published: January 30, 2016.
[7] Horta BV and CG Victora Long-term effects of breastfeeding-a systematic review, 2013. ISBN 9789241505307.
[8] Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJ, França GV, Horton S, Krasevec J Murch S, Sankar MJ, Walker N, Rollins NC; et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016; 387(10017): 475–490.
[9] WHO. Infant and Young Child feeding. Model Chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2009.
[10] Victora CG, Smith PG, Vaughan JP, Nobre LC, Lombardi C, Teixeira AM, Fuchs SM, Moreira LB, Gigante LP, Barros FC. 1987. Evidence for protection by breast-feeding against infant deaths from infectious diseases in Brazil. Lancet. 2: 319-22.
[11] United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF data: monitoring the situation of children and women. Access the data: infant and young child feeding.
[12] Jones G, Steketee RW, Black RE, Bhutta ZA, Morris SS, Bellagio Child Survival Study G. How many child deaths can we prevent this year? Lancet 2003; Volume 362, ISSUE 9377, P65-71, JULY 05, 2003
[13] OMS-UNICEF:
[14] Bhutta ZA, Ahmed T, Black RE et al. for the Maternal and Child Undernutrition Group What works? Interventions for maternal and child undernutrition and survival. Lancet. 2008; 371: 417-440.
[15] Walters D, Phan L, Mathisen R. The cost of not breastfeeding: global results from a new tool. Health Policy and Planning. 2019 June 24.
[16] D. Turck. Allaitement maternel: les bénéfices pour la santé de l'enfant et de sa mère. Breast feeding: health benefits for child and mother. Archives de Pédiatrie. Volume 12, Supplement 3, December 2005, Pages S145-S165
[17] Armstrong J, Reilly JJ & Child Health Information Tea. Breastfeeding and lowering the risk of childhood obesity. Lancet volume 359, ISSUE 9322, P2003-2004, June 08, 2002
[18] Horta BL, Bahl R, Martines JC & Victora CG (2007) Evidence on the Long-Term Effects of Breastfeeding: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. WHO, Geneva.
[19] Sadauskaite-Kuehne V, Samuelsson U, Jasinskiene E, Padaiga Z, Urbonaite B, Edenvall H & Ludvigsson J (2002) Severity at onset of childhood type 1 diabetes in countries with high and low incidence of the condition. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Volume 55, ISSUE 3, P247-254, MARCH 2002.
[20] Singhal A, Cole TJ, Fewtrell M & Lucas A (2004) Breastmilk feeding and lipoprotein profile in adolescents born preterm: follow-up of a prospective randomized study. Lancet volume 363, ISSUE 9421, P1571-1578, MAY 15, 2004.
[21] The Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (2002) Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50302 women with breast cancer and 96973 women without the disease. Lancet Volume 360, ISSUE 9328, P187-195, JULY 20, 2002.
[22] UNICEF. 2021. Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding. Dans: UNICEF Data: Monitoring the Situation of Children and Women.
[23] Imdad, A., Yakoob, MY, Bhutta, ZA. 2011. Effect on breastfeeding promotion interventions on breastfeeding rates, with special focus on developing countries. BMC Public Health. 11 (Suppl.3): S24.
[24] Isabelle Michaud-Létourneau, Marion Gayard, David Louis Pelletier. Contribution of the Alive & Thrive–UNICEF advocacy efforts to improve infant and young child feeding policies in Southeast Asia First published: 22 February 2019.
[25] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal. Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue (EDS-Continue), 2017. The DHS Program ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA Septembre 2018.
[26] Enquête Démographique et de Santé à Indicateurs Multiples Sénégal (EDS-MICS) 2010-2011 Rapport final Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal MEASURE DHS ICF International Calverton, Maryland, USA Février 2012.
[27] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal: Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue (EDS-Continue) 2019. The DHS Program ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA Novembre 2020.
[28] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD): Rapport sur la population du Sénégal 2020.
[29] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal. Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue (EDS-Continue) 2014. The DHS Program ICF International Rockville, Maryland, USA Mai 2015.
[30] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal: Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue (EDS-Continue) 2018. The DHS Program ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA Novembre 2018.
[31] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal. Les comptes nationaux trimestriels (3ème Trimestre 2019): synthèse de l’évolution de l’activité économique au troisième trimestre 2019.
[32] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal. Note sur les évolutions économiques récentes.
[33] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD): Rapport définitf du RGPHAE 2013; Publication (Jour/Mois/Année), 2014; Editeur, Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD); Ville, Dakar.
[34] COSFAM/MI/UCAD. Rapport de la situation de base en vitamine A, fer et zinc chez les enfants de 12-59 mois et les femmes en âge de procréer (15-49 ans) dans le cadre du programme de fortification des aliments en micronutriments au Sénégal. 2012. p 153.
[35] Division de l’Alimentation et de la Nutrition, Ministere de la Santé et de l’Action Sociale Dakar, Senegal. Enquête Nutritionnelle Nationale Utilisant la Méthodologie SMART: Rapport Final. Dakar, Sénégal. 2016b. p 87. Available at:
[36] Anna Vanderkooy, Elaine L. Ferguson, Ndèye Yaga Sy, Rosenette Kane, Maty Diagne, Aminata Mbodji and Alissa M. Pries4. High unhealthy food and beverage consumption is associated with poor diet quality among 12–35-month-olds in Guédiawaye Department, Senegal. Frontiere Nutrition., 19 June 2023, Sec. Nutritional Epidemiology, Volume 10 - 2023, P: 1-12.
[37] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD). Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue au Sénégal (EDS-Continue) 2012-2013. Rapport final 1ère année Dakar, Sénégal MEASURE DHS ICF International Calverton, Maryland, USA Juillet 2013.
[38] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue au Sénégal (EDS-Continue) 2015. Rapport sur les Indicateurs Clés 3ème année. The DHS Program ICF International Rockville, Maryland, USA March 2016.
[39] Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) Dakar, Sénégal: Enquête Démographique et de Santé Continue (EDS-Continue) 2016. The DHS Program ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA Août 2017.
[40] The DHS Program - Questionnaires and Manuals.
[41] Alive & Thrive and UNICEF. Factors Influencing the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Other Infant Feeding Practices in the First Six Months of Life in West and Central Africa. Alive & Thrive and UNICEF: 2022.
[42] Sakamoto Y, Ishiguro M, Kitagawa G, 1986. Akaike information criterion statistics [Internet]. Tokyo, Dordrecht, Boston: KTK Scientific Publishers ; D. Reidel ; Sold and distributed in the U.S.A. and Canada by Kluwer Academic Publishers; 1986 [cité 21 mai 2023]. 290 p. (Mathematics and its applications (D. Reidel Publishing Company)). Disponible sur:
[43] Hosmer DW, Lemeshow S. Apply logistic regression. New-York, Willey-Blackwell, 2013, 528p [Internet]. [cité 21 mai 2023]. Disponible sur:
[44] AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 2012; 129: e827-841.
[45] ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ (OMS). Déclaration: alimentation au sein exclusive pendant six mois pour les nourrissons du monde entier.
[46] Organisation Mondiale de la Santé: Cibles mondiales de nutrition 2025: Note d’orientation sur l’allaitement au sein.
[47] Boubacar Gueye, Oumar Bassoum, Dieynaba Bassoum, Ndéye Marième Diagne, Martial Coly Bop, Alioune Badara Tall, Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye, Cheikh Tacko Diop, Papa Gallo Sow, Ousseynou Ka, Ibrahima Seck. Facteurs associés à la pratique de l´allaitement maternel exclusif chez les mères d´enfants âgés de 6 à 12 mois dans la commune de Kaolack (Sénégal). Pan African Medical Journal. 2023; 45: 55.
[48] Mar MM. Étude des facteurs associés à la pratique de l´allaitement maternel exclusif chez les mères d´enfants âgés de 6 à 12 mois dans la commune de Thiès (Thèse de doctorat d´état en médecine) Dakar. Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar Faculté de Médecine de Pharmacie et d´Odontostomatologie, 2021; N°106: 20140676Q.
[49] UNICEF. 2022. L’alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant. Dans: UNICEF. [Consulté le 6 avril2023].
[50] Amed Coulibaly, Odile Ake Tano, Joseph Bénie Bi Vroh, Youssouf Traoré, N’cho Simplice Dagnan acteurs socioprofessionnels et pratique de l'allaitement exclusif par les primipares à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire. Dans Santé Publique 2014/4 (Vol. 26), pages 555 à 562).
[51] Leena Hannula Marja Kaunonen, Marja-Terttu Tarkka: A systematic review of professional support interventions for breastfeeding. (2008) Journal of Clinical Nursing 17, 1132–1143 First published: 14 April 2008
[52] BRITTON, C., MCCORMICK, F. M., RENFREW, M. J., et al. Support for breastfeeding mothers (Review). The Cochrane Collaboration. 2007. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2007.
[53] AKSU H, KÜÇÜK M, DÜZGÜN G. The effect of postnatal breastfeeding education/support offered at home 3 days after delivery on breastfeeding duration and knowledge: A randomized trial. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and neonatal medicine, volume 24, February 2011; 24: 354-361.
[54] BEAKE S, PELLOWE C, DYKES F, SCHMIED V, BICK D. A systematic review of structured compared with non-structured breastfeeding programs to support the initiation and duration of exclusive and any breastfeeding in acute and primary health care settings. Maternal and Child Nutrition, April 2012; 8: 141-161.]. First published: 20 December 2011.
[55] Mahamadou Traoré, Issa Traore, Oumar Thiero, Aminata Sidibé, Habiyata Maiga, Oumar A. Maiga, ChakaCoulibaly, ModiboDiarra, Hamadoun Sangho. Facteurs associés à la cessation de l’allaitement maternel exclusif en milieux rural et urbain au Mali Dans Santé Publique 2019/3 (Vol. 31), pages 451 à 458. Mis en ligne sur Cairn. info le 25/09/2019.
[56] LAURENCE M GRUMMER-STRAWN. The Effect of Changes in Population Characteristics on Breastfeeding Trends in Fifteen Developing Countries. International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 25, Issue 1, February 1996, Pages 94–102,
[57] World Health Organization & United Nations Children's Fund: Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health & Ageing (MCA), Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS). Number of pages 32 Reference numbers ISBN: 978-92-4-004460.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Camara, M. D., Ndiaye, I., Gueye, B., Dramé, A., Bassoum, O., et al. (2024). Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal. World Journal of Public Health, 9(2), 156-177. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Camara, M. D.; Ndiaye, I.; Gueye, B.; Dramé, A.; Bassoum, O., et al. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal. World J. Public Health 2024, 9(2), 156-177. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Camara MD, Ndiaye I, Gueye B, Dramé A, Bassoum O, et al. Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal. World J Public Health. 2024;9(2):156-177. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16,
      author = {Maty Diagne Camara and Ibrahima Ndiaye and Boubacar Gueye and Aboubacry Dramé and Oumar Bassoum and Anna Toure and Aita Sarr-Cisse and Aminata Ndiaye Coly and Maguette Fall Beye and Nafissatou Ba Lo},
      title = {Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal
    },
      journal = {World Journal of Public Health},
      volume = {9},
      number = {2},
      pages = {156-177},
      doi = {10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjph.20240902.16},
      abstract = {Introduction: The first two years of a child's life are particularly important. Inadequate breastfeeding practices during this period considerably compromise the health, development and survival of infants, children and mothers. Several studies have assessed the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality. The objectives of our study were to investigate changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices during the first six months of life according to DHS data from 2010-2011 to 2019 and to identify the various associated factors. Methodology: This is a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on cross-sectional data from the DHS from 2010-2011 to 2019 on changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under six months of age. Our study focused on women aged 15 to 49 years interviewed during the DHS and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys who had children under two years of age. Data were collected on exclusive breastfeeding rates in different years, the socio-demographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics of mothers, and the characteristics of newborn children. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Results: showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates remained below 50% from 2010-11 to 2019. Analysis by region showed a disparity between the different regions. The associated factors were: ethnic group: Wolof are less likely to practice EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.59 with a CI95: [0.38, 0. 90], maternal literacy: mothers who could not read were less likely to perform EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.71 and a CI95: [0.53-095], birth order: mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to perform EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and a CI95: [1.68-6.17], maternal occupation: Working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI95 [0.46-0.79], access to the media: Mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice assisted fertilization, with an AOR of 0.57 and a CI95: [0.37-0.90] and use of modern contraception: Mothers using modern contraception were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and a CI95: [0.38-0.72]. Conclusion: Despite all the efforts made by the Senegalese government and its technical and financial partners, rates are still low. To strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, it is important and urgent to design and implement innovative evidence-based interventions covering the different levels of the socio-ecological model (individuals, families, communities and public policies).
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal
    
    AU  - Maty Diagne Camara
    AU  - Ibrahima Ndiaye
    AU  - Boubacar Gueye
    AU  - Aboubacry Dramé
    AU  - Oumar Bassoum
    AU  - Anna Toure
    AU  - Aita Sarr-Cisse
    AU  - Aminata Ndiaye Coly
    AU  - Maguette Fall Beye
    AU  - Nafissatou Ba Lo
    Y1  - 2024/05/10
    PY  - 2024
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16
    DO  - 10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16
    T2  - World Journal of Public Health
    JF  - World Journal of Public Health
    JO  - World Journal of Public Health
    SP  - 156
    EP  - 177
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2637-6059
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.16
    AB  - Introduction: The first two years of a child's life are particularly important. Inadequate breastfeeding practices during this period considerably compromise the health, development and survival of infants, children and mothers. Several studies have assessed the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality. The objectives of our study were to investigate changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices during the first six months of life according to DHS data from 2010-2011 to 2019 and to identify the various associated factors. Methodology: This is a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on cross-sectional data from the DHS from 2010-2011 to 2019 on changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under six months of age. Our study focused on women aged 15 to 49 years interviewed during the DHS and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys who had children under two years of age. Data were collected on exclusive breastfeeding rates in different years, the socio-demographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics of mothers, and the characteristics of newborn children. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Results: showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates remained below 50% from 2010-11 to 2019. Analysis by region showed a disparity between the different regions. The associated factors were: ethnic group: Wolof are less likely to practice EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.59 with a CI95: [0.38, 0. 90], maternal literacy: mothers who could not read were less likely to perform EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.71 and a CI95: [0.53-095], birth order: mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to perform EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and a CI95: [1.68-6.17], maternal occupation: Working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI95 [0.46-0.79], access to the media: Mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice assisted fertilization, with an AOR of 0.57 and a CI95: [0.37-0.90] and use of modern contraception: Mothers using modern contraception were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and a CI95: [0.38-0.72]. Conclusion: Despite all the efforts made by the Senegalese government and its technical and financial partners, rates are still low. To strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, it is important and urgent to design and implement innovative evidence-based interventions covering the different levels of the socio-ecological model (individuals, families, communities and public policies).
    
    VL  - 9
    IS  - 2
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Institute of Health and Development Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal

    Biography: Maty Diagne Camara is a public health specialist, nutritionist and assistant professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. She holds a doctorate in medicine from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, a certificate of specialization in public health and a master's degree in public health with a nutrition option. She has 20 years' experience in public health. She was head doctor of a health district before joining the Health and Development Institute at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. She coordinates the Master's degree in Public Health/Nutrition, specializing in nutrition. She is also head of the Food and Nutrition Division at Senegal's Ministry of Health and Social Action, where I have been coordinating food and nutrition projects and programs since 2013. She is a member of the Senegalese Association of Public Health Professionals (PHPS) and the Senegalese Association of Nutrition and Food.

    Research Fields: Infant and Young Child Feeding; Dietary Diversification in Pregnant Women; Routine Vitamin Supplementation in Children 6-59 Months of Age; Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight; Management of Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition

  • Institute of Health and Development Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal

    Research Fields: Factors Associated with the Completion of Antenatal Care

  • Université Alioune Diop University of Bambey, Training and Research Unit, Health and Sustainable Development, Dakar, Senegal

    Research Fields: Factors associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding

  • Department of Mother and Child Health, Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar, Senegal

    Research Fields: Neonatal mortality according to DHS data in Senegal

  • Institute of Health and Development Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal

    Research Fields: Determinants of hepatitis B vaccine administration at birth in Senegal. Evaluation of prescription indicators for pediatric outpatient consultations Senegal. Vaccination against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and hepatitis B Podor district, Senegal. Coverage Timeliness Birth Dose Vaccination Sub-Saharan Africa. Assessment general public's knowledge antibiotic use bacterial resistance

  • Alive and Thrive, Dakar, Senegal

  • Alive and Thrive, Dakar, Senegal

  • United Nations Children's Fund, Dakar, Senegal

  • Helen Keller International, Dakar, Senegal

  • National Nutrition Development Council, Dakar, Senegal

  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Study Framework
    3. 3. Materials and Methods
    4. 4. Results
    5. 5. Discussion
    6. 6. Conclusions
    Show Full Outline
  • Abbreviations
  • Acknowledgments
  • Author Contributions
  • Funding
  • Data Availability Statement
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Appendix
  • References
  • Cite This Article
  • Author Information