Determinant of breastfeeding practice among mothers in Soran city: a cross-sectional study in 2024–2025

Background and objective: Breastfeeding practices are essential for child health and development, yet may be influenced by maternal demographics and feeding behaviors. This study aimed to assess the level of breastfeeding practice among mothers in Soran City and examine its association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st to April 12th, 2025, in five primary health care centers in Soran City, using Convenience sampling. The questionnaire included demographic information and a breastfeeding practice assessment tool. Breastfeeding practice levels were determined using a composite score based on type of feeding, duration, frequency, and use of supplementary feeding. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 12 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Chi-square and ordinal regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between breastfeeding practice levels and demographic variables. Results: A total of 400 mothers participated in the study. The mean breastfeeding practice score was 4.65 ± 2.21, indicating an overall moderate level of practice. The majority of mothers (373 out of 400; 93.3%) delivered in health facilities, and 328 mothers (82.0%) reported breastfeeding as the primary feeding method. Significant associations were found between breastfeeding practice levels and both socioeconomic status (χ² = 11.72, P = 0.02) and household size (χ² = 11.64, P = 0.01). However, ordinal regression analysis showed that no single demographic factor independently predicted breastfeeding practice levels, with all P-values exceeding 0.05 in the model. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that mothers in Soran exhibited moderate levels of breastfeeding practice. Policymakers and healthcare providers should design targeted educational programs to promote optimal breastfeeding behaviors and address barriers related to socioeconomic and household conditions. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Infant Nutrition, Maternal Health, Practice Levels, Public Health.