KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS TOWARD BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS WITH INFANTS LESS THAN 24 MONTHS ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN BASRA, IRAQ: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Breastfeeding is fundamental to infant health and development; however, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains suboptimal in Iraq and other Arab countries. Understanding maternal knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing breastfeeding practices is important for developing effective interventions. Objective: To assess breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among mothers of infants aged ≤24 months attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Basra Governorate and identify factors associated with EBF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five PHCCs in Basra from October 2024 to March 2025. Using systematic random sampling, 320 mothers were recruited. A validated bilingual questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and EBF practices. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results: Participants had a mean age of 27.4 ± 5.8 years. Good breastfeeding knowledge was observed in 54.4%, positive attitudes in 71.3%, and EBF for six months in 48.4%. Higher maternal education (AOR=2.71), breastfeeding counseling (AOR=3.08), vaginal delivery (AOR=1.94), and multiparity (AOR=1.68) were independently associated with EBF. Urban residence was not statistically significant (AOR=1.52, 95% CI: 0.93–2.49). Conclusion: EBF remains suboptimal among mothers attending PHCCs in Basra. Strengthening antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding counseling, particularly for less-educated mothers and those undergoing cesarean delivery, may improve EBF practices.