Knowledge and Practices of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Rural Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background Worldwide exclusive breastfeeding is still recommended as a successful strategy even during COVID − 19 pandemic to lower infant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among rural women during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A descriptive Cross-sectional study was conducted at EL-Morabeen Family Medicine Center, in rural Damietta, Egypt among 178 lactating women who were chosen by purposive sample. A developed structured questionnaire consisting of four parts was used for gathering data between March to May 2022 to assess knowledge and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Univariate analysis for descriptive data and bivariate analysis through the Chi-square test were performed. Results The current study revealed that 73% of the studied rural women didn’t receive any breastfeeding counselling during antenatal visits. Only 15.2% of them breastfeed their infant exclusively for 6 months while 88.2% of mothers delayed breastfeeding initiation after delivery and 48.3% administered the pre-lacteal feeds. 98.3% of rural women had never made skin to skin contact. Additionally, a statistically significant association between good knowledge, practices with highly educated women aged from 26–30 years, with family income of 4000–6000 L.E was found. Furthermore, only 26.4% and 26.1% respectively of rural women had good knowledge and practice score. Conclusion Suboptimal breastfeeding practices as delayed onset of breastfeeding, low percentages of exclusivity, early weaning, pre-lacteal feeding administration, and lack of skin-to-skin contact were prevalent among the studied rural mothers. Breastfeeding counselling for all pregnant women and implementation of evidence-based practices in health care system as early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are recommended.