Education and Breastfeeding Inequality in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Dessie Anteneh Mengist, Zemene Melkamu Aderajew, Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh, Anley Denekew Tenaw, Anteneh Rahel Mulatie, Moges Natnael, Chanie Ermias Sisay, Tsega Sintayehu Simie, Belete Melaku Ashagrie, Alemayehu Ermiyas, Kebede Natnael
Primary Institution: Debre Tabor University
Hypothesis
This study aims to quantify and decompose the education-related inequality in exclusive breastfeeding practice among Ethiopian mothers.
Conclusion
The study identified a small yet significant education-related inequality in exclusive breastfeeding, favoring less educated women.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among Ethiopian women was 57.29%.
- Education-related inequality in exclusive breastfeeding was quantified with a concentration index of -0.058.
- Factors contributing to the inequality included residence, region, place of birth, and pregnancy wantedness status.
Takeaway
In Ethiopia, less educated women are more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies, which is the opposite of what you might expect.
Methodology
The study used a longitudinal panel survey dataset and Wagstaff decomposition analysis to assess education-related inequality in exclusive breastfeeding practice.
Potential Biases
Potential social desirability bias in self-reported breastfeeding practices.
Limitations
The reliance on self-reported data may introduce recall bias, and the cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 26 years, with a majority being married and from rural areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.039
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 54.79, 59.80%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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