Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-30, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Mebrahtom Birhane Tikue, Teklay Zeru Weldearegawi, Teklemariam Gebregziabher Goitom, Berhe Gebrehiwot Tewele, Nebiat Desale Gidey, Willi Bahre, Kahsu Gebrekidan
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0344163
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The most well- recognized method of feeding a baby is breastfeeding. Out of all the preventive measures, breastfeeding and supplemental feeding have the most impact on child mortality for infants and young children. Babies are shielded against acute infections by the mother’s antibodies found in breast milk, and it boosts a baby’s immune system, their reaction to immunizations and cognitive benefits. This was aimed to compare and identify the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice among the rural and urban lactating mothers of the District. Exclusive breast feeding practice of this rural area was in line with the urban which was 68.1% (95% CI, 62.1–73) and 64% (95% CI, 53.5–74.4) respectively. This might be due to the similar primary health care policy intervention system both in the rural and urban areas of the Region. Besides of this, both the rural and urban mothers of the district were more benefited from the Ethiopia primary health care packages.
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 346 lactating mothers were enrolled for the study. 5 rural and 1 urban Kebeles were randomly selected. From these the simple random sampling technique was used. The interviewer administered structured questionnaire was employed. Epi-Data Manager Version 4.6 was used to enter, encode, and clean the data for consistency and completeness. The data was analyzed using SPSS version of 22. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed.
A total of 346 lactating mothers were selected in both rural (258) and urban (88) areas of the district. The response rate was 248 (96.12%) in rural and 86 (97.72%) in urban. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice in the rural and urban areas was 68.1% (95% CI, 62.1–73) and 64% (95% CI, 53.5–74.4), respectively. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, in the rural mothers’ educational status [AOR = 2.46, 95% CI (1.3–4.6)], parity [AOR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.4–4.7)], and antenatal care visit [AOR = 2.35, 95% CI (1.0–5.4)] were associated factors. In the urban area, education on exclusive breastfeeding practice during antenatal care visits [AOR = 3.46, CI (1.2–10)], mode of delivery [AOR = 3.7, CI (1.2–11.5)] and education on exclusive breast feeding practice during postnatal care visit [AOR = 2.9, CI (1.0–8.1)] were associated factors.
Based on the mean score, exclusive breastfeeding practice in the rural and urban areas was slightly above the mean. This result doesn’t show a significant difference both in the rural and urban areas. But this was lower than the notional and global recommendation level. It was substantially correlated with maternal educational status, parity, and prenatal care visits in the rural areas and with health education during prenatal care visits, method of birth, and postnatal care visits in the urban areas.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Mebrahtom Birhane Tikue, Teklay Zeru Weldearegawi, Teklemariam Gebregziabher Goitom, Berhe Gebrehiwot Tewele, Nebiat Desale Gidey, Willi Bahre, Kahsu Gebrekidan. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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