Factors that influence the early weaning on infants belonging to the Augusto Egas Health Center, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: exclusive breastfeeding provides macro and micronutrients that are sufficient for the correct development and growth of the infant. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding should be optimal, since early weaning has greatly increased nowadays. Objective: to determine what factors influence early weaning in mothers with infants from 0 to 11 months at the Augusto Egas Health Center, in the city of Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Method: a descriptive correlational study was undertaken, with a quantitative approach, during the period from July to the beginning of August 2021, in a population of 252 mothers who attended this health unit. A convenience sampling was carried out, and a sample of 153 mothers was obtained. The variables measured were: difficulties at the beginning of breastfeeding, foods that supplemented exclusive breastfeeding, early abandonment, myths that influenced the partial or complete abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding, and mothers who received information after delivery. Results: 85% of the mothers reported difficulties in the sufficient quantity of milk. Mothers did not abandon breastfeeding by their own decision, 64.7% expressed not believing in the myths. There was a majority of agreement in having received correct information after delivery from health personnel (64.7%). Conclusion: the insufficient amount of milk in mothers is the factor that influences the most in this health unit, so they opted for a mixed diet.

Keywords

• lactancia materna
• educación en salud
• fenómenos fisiológicos
• destete precoz
• lactantes