Breastfeeding practices among long-standing refugees in Jordan

Insights from a cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID22085482
AuthorsNuha Qasem, Nuha W Qasem (0000-0002-7651-787X, Hashemite University, corresponding author), Amjad Al-Shdaifat, Amjad Al‐Shdaifat (Hashemite University), Deema Abu-Khader (Hashemite University), Sajeda Jaraa (Hashemite University), Jelan AlOthman (Hashemite University), Lina Shatat (Hashemite University), Lara Alsaif (Hashemite University)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1644659-1644659
Publication date2025-08-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1644659
PMID40893201
OpenAlexW4413970693
LanguageEN
References cited43

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a crucial public health strategy that reduces infant morbidity and mortality, yet rates remain suboptimal among refugee populations. This study examines breastfeeding practices and determinants of EBF among long-standing Palestinian refugees in Jordan through a cross-sectional survey of 249 mothers at the UNRWA Zarqa Camp Health Center. The prevalence of EBF among infants under 6 months was 38.2%, declining with age. Key predictors included birth order, mode of delivery, labor analgesia, and breastfeeding initiation timing. Mothers who delivered vaginally avoided analgesia, and initiated breastfeeding within the first hour had significantly higher EBF rates. Perceived insufficient milk supply was the primary reason for formula introduction. Breastfed infants experienced fewer acute illnesses, antibiotic use, and allergic conditions. Despite moderately positive maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding, fewer than half of the mothers received breastfeeding education, with no significant association between maternal knowledge and feeding methods. These findings underscore the need for interventions promoting early breastfeeding initiation, reducing unnecessary cesarean sections and analgesia, and strengthening breastfeeding education to improve EBF rates and infant health in refugee settings

Breastfeeding · Cross-sectional study · Geography · Refugee · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology · Pediatrics

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