Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First 6 Months Among Children Under Five in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo; a Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Giving only breast milk in the first 6 months lowers the chances of childhood diseases and death. Still, it is difficult to promote ideal breastfeeding among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps. This research is intended to find out how many mothers are feeding their children under five with only breast milk in IDPs camps in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

METHODS

Between November 2024 and February 2025, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in five major IDPs camps in Goma. A total of 407 eligible mothers or primary caregivers were recruited and participated in the study using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, including maternal age, place of residence, and infant feeding practices. The chi-square (χ 2) test was employed to assess associations between exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and selected explanatory variables, with statistical significance determined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of EBF was 20.9%. Significant associations were observed between EBF and maternal age (χ 2 = 18.8 and p < 0.05), educational level (p < 0.05), marital status (p < 0.05), presence of both parents (p < 0.05), prematurity status (χ 2 = 7.64 and p = 0.022), and source of household income (χ 2 = 28.3 and p < 0.001). Higher EBF rates were reported among younger mothers, those with higher education, married women, and households receiving humanitarian aid (51.6%) compared to those relying on trade (16.2%). No significant associations were found between EBF and child's sex (χ 2 = 0.177 and p = 0.674), camp of residence (χ 2 = 0.688 and p = 0.953), or household size (χ 2 = 3.78 and p = 0.052).

CONCLUSION

IDPs camps demonstrate markedly low levels of exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting significant disparities between displaced populations and the general population. These findings underscore the need for targeted, context-specific interventions, including strengthened maternal education, increased paternal support, and enhanced breastfeeding support programs, to improve infant health outcomes in humanitarian and crisis settings.