Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding, Using Adaptive LASSO Regression

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first six months of the life can significantly improve maternal and children health, and it is especially important in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to determine the factors affecting EBF duration in a sample of Iranian infants.Methods: This prospective study was conducted between April 2012 and October 2014 in Fars, Iran. Women (N=2640), who had given birth to healthy term infants were categorized into EBF versus non-EBF groups. Demographic information from mothers and infants, medical and drug history, and pregnancy related factors were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis was performed using Adaptive Lasso regression. P