Introduction:
Child malnutrition remains a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa and is reported to be associated with
half of child deaths in Burkina Faso. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as a major
intervention to improve overall child nutritional status and survival for the first 6 months of life.
The study objectives were to assess the prevalence rates of EBF and to identify factors associated with improved EBF rates. Methods: As part of the evaluation
of the Alive and Thrive interventional project in a Western area of Burkina Faso, we conducted a prospective cross-sectional
survey in twelve villages randomly selected in the “Boucle du Mouhoun” region. The EBF-prevalence was calculated as the
proportion of children who were exclusively breastfed. The factors associated with increased EBF-prevalence were identified
using multivariable logistic regression models.
The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95%
confidence intervals (95% CI) were constructed. Results: Overall, 157 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the study. with an
average of 13 pairs per village. The average age (±SD) of the babies at inclusion was 2.6 months (± 1.2), and 51.6% were girl s.
The average age (±SD) of the mothers was 27.7 years (± 7). Overall, 96.2% of mothers were married and 61% had no formal
education. The EBF-prevalence rate was 66.2% (95% CI: 46.8-81.4) using the 24-hours recall period. The factors associated with
improved EBF-rates were the intervention study arm (adjusted OR: 3.38, P =0.003) and the early initiation of EBF within 72
hours of delivery (adjusted OR: 10.95, P <0.001).
Conclusion: This study clearly highlights the relevance of EBF promotion
around the time of birth and the importance of early initiation of EBF within 72 hours of birth. A policy focused on these tw o
practices should be implemented in rural areas of Burkina Faso.

Exclusive Breastfeeding, Prevalence Rates, Risk Factors, Rural, Burkina Faso