Examining Infant and Young children feeding (IYCF) practice and its determinant factors among mothers who gave birth in the last two years, Ethiopia
Abstract Background: The first two years of life are critical stages for a child’s growth and development. However, globally, 60% of the infant and young child deaths reported due to inappropriate infant feeding practices and infectious disease, where two-thirds of these deaths are attributable to sub-optimal breastfeeding practices. Methods and materials-community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from February to March 2020 in Jima Rare district, Ethiopia. The stratified sampling and simple random sampling were employed to recruit participants into the study. Data was collected by using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. And data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results- The actual feeding practice style among the respondents had been assessed by using eight core indicators of infant and child feeding practice of the WHO. The finding revealed that (initiated breastfeeding within one-hour after birth 78%), (66.7% and 33.4% exclusive breastfeeding at 6 and 4-5months), respectively. About 11.8% of mothers continued breastfeeding at 2 years. About 33.4% and 66.7% of mothers started introducing solid, semi-solid or soft foods at 4 to 5 months at 6 months and above), respectively. The overall, proportion of children age 6- 23 months who met minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity accounts for 51.2%, 49.9% respectively. About half proportion (49.9%) of children age 6- 23 months fit for the minimum acceptable diet. The multivariate analysis finding shows that mothers who gave birth at health institutions, get help from their husband, had received practical support of IYCF practices, counseling during ANC and/or PNC visit and households who have agricultural land and radio were more likely to carryout appropriate IYCF practices than their comparable groups. Conclusion-the result suggests that the overall appropriate infant and young child feeding practice was low. Hence, initiatives and interventions should focus on advocacy for institutional delivery, counselling and practical support for IYCF practice. Special attention needs to be given for young and illiterate mothers. Moreover, attention need to address to empower women to have autonomy of decision-making and control power over assets to support them for appropriate IYCF practices.