1.3 Purpose of the study

The aim of the study was to investigate exclusive breastfeeding practices and identify the factors influencing the practices among mothers of infants 0 < 6 months in Kasarani informal settlement.

1.4 Objectives of the study
The objectives of this study were to;
i. Establish socio-demographic, socio-economic characteristics and contextual factors of mother with infants 0<6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement Molo district.

ii. Determine the characteristics of infants 0<6months in Kasarani informal settlement Molo district.

iii. Determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0 < 6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement Molo district.

iv. Establish maternal knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on exclusive breastfeeding in Kasarani informal settlement Molo district.

v. Establish the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Kasarani informal settlement Molo district.

1.5 Hypothesis

HO1: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for infants 0 < 6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement is significantly lower than the WHO recommended level of ninety percent (90%).

HO2: Infant characteristics (age, sex and morbidity) have no significant association with exclusive breastfeeding practice of infants 0<6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement.

HO3: Maternal characteristics and contextual factors have no significant associations with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of infants 0< 6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement.

HO4: Maternal knowledge, attitudes and beliefs have no significant associations with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of infants 0< 6 months old in Kasarani informal settlement.

1.6 Significance of the study
This study has generated information on factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in a poor-resource setting. The findings will be useful to the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation (MOPHS) and other organizations working in child survival programmes to design interventions to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the area and other similar circumstances. The findings will also be useful as a contribution to the ongoing research efforts on exclusive breastfeeding and child survival.

1.7 Delimitation of the study
The study was only carried out in Kasarani informal settlement, an urban slum in a rural district. The results can only be generalized to other areas with similar characteristics.

1.8 Limitations of the study
The study being cross-sectional, data collected did not reveal whether the reported infant feeding practices varied from one day to another.