scholarly journals Effectiveness of peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ofelia P. Saniel ◽  
Veincent Christian F. Pepito ◽  
Arianna Maever L. Amit

Abstract Background The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months remain low in the Philippines. To help meet the 90% early initiation of breastfeeding target and to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Philippines, the Millennium Development Goals - Fund 2030 Joint Programme (JP) on Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0–24 months old was implemented. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of visits by peer counselors during pregnancy and after delivery, and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting these optimal breastfeeding practices. Methods We used data from the Endline Survey of the JP to study the effects of prenatal and postnatal peer counselor visits, and membership in breastfeeding support groups, and their possible interactions with initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth among children aged 0 to 24 months and EBF at 6 months among children aged 6 to 24 months, while adjusting for confounding. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to assess these associations. Results Of the 2343 mother-infant pairs, only 1500 (63.1%) practiced early initiation of breastfeeding. Of the 1865 children aged 6 months or older, only 621 (34.7%) were exclusively breastfed at 6 months. After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no strong evidence that peer counselor visits were associated with early initiation or EBF at 6 months. However, members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.49 times higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding (95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.12, 1.98) and 1.65 times higher odds of EBF (95% CI 1.20, 2.24) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups. There was no interaction between the different exposure variables and early initiation and EBF at 6 months. Conclusions Our findings suggest breastfeeding support groups may be institutionalized to promote both early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF in the Philippines, while the role of peer counselors in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors should be further reviewed. Our suggestion to integrate non-healthcare professionals to promote early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF could be tested in future intervention studies.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ofelia P Saniel ◽  
Veincent Christian F Pepito ◽  
Arianna Maever L Amit

Abstract Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), defined as initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after giving birth, is one of the recommended optimal breastfeeding practices. We aimed to determine whether being visited by a peer counselor during pregnancy and if mother’s membership in a breastfeeding support group are associated with EIBF. We also aimed to examine the interaction between the two main exposure variables to assess their joint effects on EIBF.Methods: We used data from the endline survey of a program implemented in the Philippines, which contained socioeconomic data from the household of the mother-newborn dyads, demographic characteristics of the mothers, and their infant and young child feeding practices. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to study these associations.Results: Out of the 2,343 newborns, only 1,500 (63.1%) had EIBF. Upon controlling for confounders, those who were visited by a peer counselor during the prenatal period had 1.18 times greater odds of EIBF (95%CI: 0.88-1.57; p=0.26) compared to those who were not visited. On the other hand, members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.33 times higher odds of EIBF (95% CI: 0.99-1.79; p=0.06) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups. There is no interaction between the two exposure variables on their effect on EIBF. Conclusions: The lack of association between a visit by a peer counselor during pregnancy or mother’s membership in breastfeeding support groups and EIBF highlights the need for new strategies to enhance the role of peer counselors and breastfeeding support groups in promoting breastfeeding.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ofelia P Saniel ◽  
Veincent Christian F Pepito ◽  
Arianna Maever L Amit

Abstract Background: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF)and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remain low in the Philippines. To help meet the 90% EIBF target and to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Philippines, the Millennium Development Goals - Fund 2030 Joint Programme (JP) on Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0-24 months old was implemented. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of visits by a peer counselor during pregnancy and after delivery, and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting these optimal breastfeeding practices. We also aimed to examine the interaction between these two activities to assess their joint effects on both EIBF and EBF.Methods: We used data from the Endline Survey of the Joint Program , which collected socioeconomic data from the households of the mother-infant dyads, demographic characteristics of the mothers, and their particular infant and young child feeding practices. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to study these associations.Results: Out of the 2,343 mother-infant dyads, only 1,500 (63.1%) practiced EIBF and only 624 (27.9%) practiced EBF. After controlling for confounders, those who were visited by a peer counselor during the prenatal period had 1.32 times greater odds of practicing EIBF (95%CI: 0.96, 1.80) and 0.91 times lower odds (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.22) of practicing EBF compared to those who were not visited. The association between visits by a peer counselor and EIBF was weak and statistically insignificant. The odds of EBF was also 26% higher among those who were visited by peer counselors after delivery (aOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.75), but this association was also weak and statistically not significant. Members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.49 times higher odds of EIBF (95% CI: 1.12, 1.98) and 1.59 times higher odds of EBF (95% CI: 1.21, 2.10) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups; both associations were statistically significant. However, there was no interaction between the different exposure variables on their effects on EIBF and EBF. Conclusions: Breastfeeding support groups may be institutionalized to promote both EIBF and EBF in the Philippines. The role of peer counselors in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors should be further reviewed in light of the findings of this study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kedir Yimam Ahmed

Abstract Background Understanding the associations between infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and ARI and diarrhoea can inform IYCF policy interventions and advocacy in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IYCF practices and ARI and diarrhoea in Ethiopian children. Methods This study used the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data for the years 2000 (n = 3680), 2005 (n = 3528), 2011 (n = 4037), and 2016 (n = 3861). The association between IYCF practices and (i) ARI and (ii) diarrhoea were investigated using propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Early initiation of breastfeeding (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72, 0.92) and EBF (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.83) were associated with lower risk of ARI. Bottle-fed children had higher odds of ARI (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.68). Early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF were associated with a lower odds of diarrhoea (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.94 for Early initiation of breastfeeding and OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.65 for EBF). Infants who were predominantly breastfed were less likely to experience diarrhoea (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.89). Conclusions Early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF were associated with a lower risk of ARI and diarrhoea. Bottle feeding was associated with a higher risk of ARI. Key messages Interventions targeting improved early initiation of breastfeeding, EBF, and avoidance of bottle feeding should be prioritised and scaled-up.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansi Vijaybhai Dhami ◽  
Felix Akpojene Ogbo ◽  
Thierno Diallo ◽  
Kingsley Agho

Abstract Background: There are limited data on the association between infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and diarrhoea across regional India, to inform policy initiatives and advocacy. The present study examined the association between IYCF practices and diarrhoea in regional India. Method: The study used a weighted sample of 90,596 maternal responses from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey in India. Prevalence estimates of diarrhoea by IYCF indicators were estimated for each administrative region, namely: North (n=11,200), South (n=16,469), East (n=23,317), West (n=11,512), Central (n=24,870) and North-East (n=3,228). Multivariate logistic regressions that adjust for clustering and sampling weights were used to investigate the association between IYCF and diarrhoea in regional India. The IYCF indicators include early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), predominant breastfeeding, bottle feeding, continued breastfeeding at one year, continued breastfeeding at two years, children ever breastfed and the introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods. Results: The prevalence of diarrhoea was lower among infants and young children who were breastfed within 1-hour of birth and those who were exclusively breastfed. Children whose mothers continued breastfeeding at one and two years, and infants who were introduced to complementary foods had a higher prevalence of diarrhoea. Early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF were protective against diarrhoea in the North, East and Central regions of India. However, predominant breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and introduction of complementary foods were risk factors for diarrhoea in Central India. Continued breastfeeding at two years was a risk factor for diarrhoea in Western India. Conclusion: Our study suggests that early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF were protective against diarrhoea in Northern, Eastern and Central India, while predominant breastfeeding, bottle feeding, continued breastfeeding at two years and introduction of solid, semi–solid or soft foods were risk factors for diarrhoea in various India regions. Improvements in IYCF practices are likely to reduce the burden of diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality across India regions.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osita Ezeh ◽  
Felix Ogbo ◽  
Garry Stevens ◽  
Wadad Tannous ◽  
Osuagwu Uchechukwu ◽  
...  

The early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within one hour after birth enhanced mother–newborn bonding and protection against infectious diseases. This paper aimed to examine factors associated with EIBF in 13 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A weighted sample of 76,934 children aged 0–23 months from the recent Demographic and Health Survey dataset in the ECOWAS for the period 2010 to 2018 was pooled. Survey logistic regression analyses, adjusting for country-specific cluster and population-level weights, were used to determine the factors associated with EIBF. The overall combined rate of EIBF in ECOWAS was 43%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, EIBF was significantly lower in Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal. Mothers who perceived their babies to be average and large at birth were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth than those mothers who perceived their babies to be small at birth. Mothers who had a caesarean delivery (AOR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.22–0.36), who did not attend antenatal visits (ANC) during pregnancy, and delivered by non-health professionals were more likely to delay initiation of breastfeeding beyond one hour after birth. Male children and mothers from poorer households were more likely to delay introduction of breastfeeding. Infant and young child feeding nutrition programs aimed at improving EIBF in ECOWAS need to target mothers who underutilize healthcare services, especially mothers from lower socioeconomic groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 642-642
Author(s):  
Valerie Flax ◽  
Abiodun Ipadeola ◽  
Courtney Schnefke ◽  
Uche Ralph-Opara ◽  
Olatoun Adeola ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Interventions to improve breastfeeding practices have not been tested in private facilities in Nigeria, although most urban facilities are private. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of Alive & Thrive's intervention on breastfeeding intentions, early initiation of breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding among clients of private facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods The intervention included breastfeeding interpersonal communication during facility visits, breastfeeding text/WhatsApp messages, WhatsApp support groups, and social behavior change communication materials. Logistic regression models adjusted for clustering were used to detect differences in a cohort of women (N = 1,200) at 10 intervention and 10 comparison facilities interviewed during their third trimester and at 6 and 24 weeks postpartum. Results During pregnancy, intention to exclusively breastfeed at 6 weeks postpartum was 92% in both study arms, but more women in the intervention than comparison arm intended to exclusively breastfeed at 24 weeks postpartum (78% intervention, 64% comparison, p < 0.001). Early initiation of breastfeeding did not differ by study arm (35% intervention, 33% comparison). More women in the intervention than comparison arm exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks (83% intervention, 76% comparison, p = 0.02) and 24 weeks postpartum (66% intervention, 52% comparison, p < 0.001). Among women exclusively breastfeeding at 6 weeks, the odds of continued exclusive breastfeeding at 24 weeks was higher in the intervention than comparison arm (OR 1.6, p = 0.005). Conclusions A breastfeeding intervention implemented in private health facilities in Lagos increased exclusive breastfeeding intentions and practices. Widespread implementation of breastfeeding interventions in private facilities could extend the reach of breastfeeding promotion programs in urban Nigeria. Funding Sources This research was funded by the Alive & Thrive initiative, managed by FHI Solutions, and currently funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Irish Aid, the Tanoto Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Bank.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasanthakumar Namasivayam ◽  
Bidyadhar Dehury ◽  
Ravi Prakash ◽  
Marissa Becker ◽  
Lisa Avery ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Timely initiation of breastfeeding, also known as early initiation of breastfeeding, is a well-recognized life-saving intervention to reduce neonatal mortality. However, only one quarter of newborns in Uttar Pradesh, India were breastfed in the first hour of life. This paper aims to understand the association of community-based prenatal counselling and postnatal support at place of delivery with early initiation of breastfeeding in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods Data from a cross-sectional survey of 9124 eligible women (who had a live birth in 59 days preceding the survey) conducted in 25 districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2018, were used. Simple random sampling was used to randomly select 40 Community Development Blocks (sub district administrative units) in 25 districts. The Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), health service delivery unit for frontline workers, were selected randomly from a linelisting of PSUs in each selected Community Development Block. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of prenatal counselling and postnatal support on early initiation of breastfeeding in public, private and home deliveries. Results Overall 48.1% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within an hour, with major variation by place of delivery (61.2% public, 23.6% private and 32.6% home). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of early initiation of breastfeeding was highest among mothers who received both counselling and support (aOR 2.67; 95% CI 2.30, 3.11), followed by those who received only support (aOR 1.99; 95% CI 1.73, 2.28), and only counselling (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.18, 1.67) compared to mothers who received none. The odds of early initiation of breastfeeding was highest among mothers who received both prenatal counselling and postnatal support irrespective of delivery at public health facilities (aOR 2.49; 95% CI 2.07, 3.01), private health facilities (aOR 3.50; 95% CI 2.25, 5.44), or home (aOR 2.84; 95% CI 2.02, 3.98). Conclusions A significant association of prenatal counselling and postnatal support immediately after birth on improving early initiation of breastfeeding, irrespective of place of delivery, indicates the importance of enhancing coverage of both the interventions through community and facility-based programs in Uttar Pradesh.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Foyez Ahmmed ◽  
Muhammad Mahabub Rahaman Manik

AbstractEarly initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is an essential practice for child health as well as for maternal health. This study aims to determine trends, prevalence, and factors associated with EIBF in Bangladesh. Data for this study were extracted from Bangladesh demographic and health surveys (BDHS) 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2014. This study found an increasing trend in EIBF in Bangladesh irrespective of the different characteristics of mothers and children. Chi-square test was conducted to find the association between EIBF and different factors. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to consider the hierarchical structure of the data. Regression result showed that educated parents [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.14, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.04, 1.26 ], exposure to media [AOR = 1.13, CI = 1.05, 1.21], 2nd or 3rd birth order [AOR = 1.13, CI = 1.04, 1.23], wanted child [AOR = 1.12, CI = 1.02, 1.23], antenatal visit [AOR = 1.07, CI = 1.00, 1.15], antenatal visit by medically trained provider [AOR = 1.06, CI = 1.00,1.13] and rich wealth index [AOR = 1.10, CI = 1.01, 1.20] were positively associated with EIBF. In contrast, mothers with caesarian delivery [AOR = 0.36, CI = 0.31, 0.40], delivery in private facility [AOR = 0.83, CI = 0.73, 0.95], multiple birth, and higher maternal age were less likely to EIBF.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089033442110087
Author(s):  
Casey Rosen-Carole ◽  
Jill Halterman ◽  
Constance D. Baldwin ◽  
Hayley Martin ◽  
Nicolas P. N. Goldstein ◽  
...  

Background Breastfeeding rates for United States women with lower incomes fall below the government’s Healthy People 2020 Goals. Breastfeeding recommendations combined with support from providers and peer counselors help women decide to begin and sustain breastfeeding, but peer counselor uptake is low. Research Aim To evaluate changes in referrals to Women, Infants, and Children’s Supplemental Nutrition Program peer counselors, reported prenatal provider education and support, and breastfeeding outcomes (intention, initiation, 1-month duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding) after a prenatal breastfeeding promotion intervention. Method In this pre-post intervention study (2015–2016; upstate New York), providers implemented a Toolkit to discuss infant feeding recommendations and initiate peer counselor referral. We surveyed women pre- and post-implementation (after delivery; 1 month postpartum) about prenatal breastfeeding intentions, provider support, and breastfeeding outcomes. Analyses controlled for secular trends. Results Pre-intervention ( n = 71) and post-intervention ( n = 70) participants were 49% Black, 61% publicly insured, and 16% uninsured. More post-intervention participants had > 1 Toolkit use (76%), peer counselor program referrals (60.0% post vs. 36.6% pre, p < .01), reported any breastfeeding intention (89% vs. 72%, p = .013), and intended to breastfeed for > 1 year (31% vs. 14%, p = .014). Post-intervention breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity were higher, but not significantly different. Post-intervention participants reported better prenatal breastfeeding support. Conclusions Implementing a prenatal Breastfeeding Toolkit, including facilitating peer counselor referral, was associated with increases in provider counseling, participants’ breastfeeding intentions, and uptake of peer counselors. Replicating this approach may reinforce efforts to support breastfeeding in similar practices serving women with lower incomes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document