Factores de risco associados ao desmame precoce em Moçambique

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for promoting child health, but in Mozambique faces significant challenges. Despite the guidelines established by the WHO and UNICEF, only 43% of children under six months are breastfed exclusive. Identifying the prevailing barriers to this practice can be a crucial step in development of effective strategies to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding. This study, carried out from January to July 2023, examined the factors that influence early weaning in Mozambique. Studies published in the last 20 years, considering both sources in Portuguese and the Access Database Free from Eduardo Mondlane University, as well as sources in English, such as Google Academic, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The barriers identified include erroneous beliefs about colostrum and the perception of milk insufficiency along with lack of proper counseling. Based on the results of previous studies, it is recommended that informative materials be made available, such as "Job Aids", for health institutions. Furthermore, the importance of involving husbands, mothers-in-law and grandmothers in prenatal consultations, aiming to promote understanding comprehensive understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and discourage harmful practices, such as self-medication. These actions can significantly contribute to promoting breastfeeding exclusive maternal care and, consequently, improve child health in Mozambique(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)