Urban–Rural Disparities in Early Breastfeeding Initiation: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To examine breastfeeding patterns among lactating mothers using urban-rural comparison techniques to identify geographical variations and influencing factors.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pediatrics department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, from April 2024 to March 2025.

Methods: Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a purposively selected sample of 258 lactating mothers across urban and rural settings. The independent variables included maternal age, residence (urban/rural), child’s age, and maternal education level. The dependent variables included the early initiation of breastfeeding.

Results: The overall breastfeeding initiation rate of 16.7% (n = 43) among participants. (Figure. I). Urban mothers’ breastfed at a significantly lower rate (13.5%, 27/200) compared to rural mothers (27.6%, 16/58). A chi-square test confirmed a statistically significant association between residence and breastfeeding (χ2(1) = 6.42, p = 0.011), indicating rural mothers were more likely to breastfeed than urban mothers.

Conclusion: Findings of this study reveal lower breastfeeding rates among urban mothers compared to rural counterparts, consistent with global trends. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as workplace breastfeeding policies in urban areas and community education programs in rural regions.