The effect of duration, timing and exclusivity of Breastfeeding on Infant Mortality in Kenya

Abstract

The study seeks to estimate the effect of duration, timing and exclusivity of breastfeeding on infant mortality in Kenya. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Kenya remains significantly high at 39 death per 1000 live births (KNBS and ICF Macro, 2014). Optimal breastfeeding is one of the low cost high impact intervention recommended to effect further declines in infant mortality. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of duration, timing and exclusivity of breastfeeding on infant mortality taking into account other socio-economic and demographic factors known to affect infant mortality.