Determinants of Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding among Disadvantaged Ethnic Groups in Midwest Nepal

Background: Timely initiation of breastfeeding has the potential to prevent 22% of neonatal deaths if breastfed within an hour after birth. Although breastfeeding is almost universal in Nepal, ranges of regional differences in timely initiation of breastfeeding have been documented. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalance and the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding among disadvantaged ethnic women in Midwest Nepal. Methods: The data was obtained from a household survey of women who had their last child less than one year of age. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondents’ demographic, socioeconomic, obstetric and health services related characteristics. Determinants of timely initiation of breastfeeding were assessed using univariate analysis and further evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results: Of 362 mothers, 65.5% initiated breastfeeding within one hour of childbirth. Mothers belonging to Tharu ethnic groups (aOR 1.788; 95% CI: 1.014, 3.152), health facility delivery (aOR 3.381; 95% CI: 1.795, 6.369) and mothers who were counseled on breastfeeding during ANC attendance (aOR 2.898; 95% CI: 1.038, 8.096) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of child birth. Conclusions: Almost two in every three mothers had initiated breastfeeding within one hour of childbirth. The factors influencing timely initiation of breastfeeding were Tharu ethnic mothers, health facility delivery and Ante Natal Care counseling. We need to aim at increasing institutional deliveries and counseling during ANC which may increase the early initiation of breastfeeding among disadvantaged ethnic groups. Keywords: Breastfeeding; determinants; Nepal; prevalence; timely initiation

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Higher rates of early initiation of breastfeeding associated with health facility delivery in Nepal

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1121 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

D Dharel ◽

A Bhattarai ◽

Y R Paudel ◽

P Acharya ◽

K Acharya

Keyword(s):

Health Facility ◽

Newborn Care ◽

Facility Delivery ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Health Facility Delivery ◽

Essential Newborn Care ◽

Place Of Delivery ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Initiation of breastfeeding within one hour from birth is one of the five key essential newborn care messages, implemented along with birth preparedness package since 2008. This study aimed to determine the trend of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and to assess the effect of health facility delivery on EIBF in Nepal. Methods We analyzed the data from the last four nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) conducted in 2001,2006,2011 and 2016. Data on the early initiation of breastfeeding was obtained from the mothers of infants born within 24 months prior to the survey. The explanatory variable was the place of delivery, dichotomized as either the health facility, or home delivery. Survey year had a significant interaction with the place of delivery. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted separately on pooled samples before (NDHS 2001 and 2006) and after (NDHS 2011 and 2016) the program implementation. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for EIBF was calculated after adjusting for predetermined covariates. Results The rate of EIBF increased by 26.5% points (from 32.8% in 2001 to 59.3% in 2016) among infants delivered in a health facility, compared to an increase by 17.1% points (from 29.9% to 47.0%) among home born infants. EIBF increased by 32.5% points before, compared to 49.7% points after BPP. Delivery in a health facility was associated with a higher odd of EIBF in later years (AOR2.3, 95% CI 2.0,2.8), but not in earlier years (AOR1.3, 95% CI 0.9,2.0). Delivery by caesarean section, first-born infant, and lack of maternal education were associated with a lower rate of EIBF in both periods. Conclusions Higher EIBF was associated with health facility delivery in Nepal, only after programmatic emphasis on essential newborn care messages. This implies the need for explicit focus on EIBF at birth, particularly when mother is less educated, primiparous or undergoing operative delivery. Key messages The rate of initiation of breastfeeding within an hour from birth is increasing in Nepal, with higher rates in health facility delivery, as shown by the recent four nationally representative surveys. Programmatic focus on essential newborn care messages may have contributed to significant association of higher rates of early initiation of breastfeeding when delivered in health facility.

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Trends and determinants of breastfeeding within one hour in Ethiopia, further analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey: multivariate decomposition analysis

Italian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s13052-021-01032-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tilahun Yemanu Birhan ◽

Wullo Sisay Seretew ◽

Muluneh Alene

Keyword(s):

Health Facility ◽

Decomposition Analysis ◽

Facility Delivery ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Breastfeeding Initiation ◽

Health Facility Delivery ◽

Initiation Rate ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Over Time ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Despite the substantial efforts to improve timely/early initiation of breastfeeding, avoidance of colostrum, and delayed initiation of breastfeeding remains a big challenge in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the trends of early breastfeeding rate over time based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Methods Secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHSs) conducted in 2005, 2011, and 2016. A total weighted sample of 9, 111, 10,106, and 8564 in 2005, 2011, and 2016 respectively were included for analysis. Trend and Logistic based decomposition analysis technique was used for analyzing the trends of early breastfeeding initiation over time and factors contributing to the change in early breastfeeding initiation rate. STATA 15 was employed for data management and analyses. All analyses presented in this paper were weighted for the sampling probabilities and non-response. Result Among children age less than 5 years the rate of early breastfeeding initiation rate overtime was increased from 70.5% in 2005 to 72.7% in 2016. The highest rate of improvement was seen in the second phase of the study (2011–2016) while it shows a decline in the first phase (2005–2011) from 70.5 to 55.1%. The decomposition analysis indicated that about half of the overall change in early breastfeeding initiation rate was due to the difference in women’s composition. Particularly, an increase in health facility delivery and vaginal delivery was a significant predictor of the increasing rate of early breastfeeding initiation over the surveys. Conclusion Early initiation of breastfeeding slightly increasing over the last 10 years in Ethiopia. Half of the overall increase in the early initiation of breastfeeding was due to the change in compositional characteristics of women over 10 years in Ethiopia. Change in the composition of women according to health facility delivery and vaginal delivery were the major source of the increase in early breastfeeding initiation over time. Public interventions including promoting health facility delivery of women for further improvements of early breastfeeding initiation should be needed.

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Factors Associated With Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding and Prelacteal Feeding in North-Central Nigeria

International Journal of Childbirth ◽

10.1891/ijcbirth-d-19-00027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 104-113

Author(s):

Andy Emmanuel ◽

Sheila Elizabeth Clow

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Milk Production ◽

The State ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Timely Manner ◽

Prelacteal Feeding ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Timely Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

OBJECTIVEDelay in initiation of breastfeeding after birth is associated with the introduction of other feeds. It has been recommended that all women should initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding could reasonably reduce neonatal deaths. The aim of this study was to assess the initiation of breastfeeding and prelacteal feeding in Plateau State, Nigeria.MATERIALS AND METHODA cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. A total of 763 women drawn equally from the three senatorial zones of the state voluntarily completed a questionnaire. Results were analyzed using chi-squared statistics and regression analysis.RESULTSFindings show that 33.1% of women initiated breastfeeding in a timely manner. The relationships between the timely initiation of breastfeeding and the use of pain relief, maternal age, maternal employment, economic status, influence of family and friends, and advertisement were found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, 92% gave breast milk for the first feed, while 8% gave infant formula, glucose, herbs, or water. Inadequate breast milk production, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and health conditions were factors identified as responsible for prelacteal feeding.CONCLUSIONThe proportion of women who initiated feeding in a timely manner was low, which underscores the need to promote and support early initiation of breastfeeding in the state. There is thus a need for a public education campaign, particularly directed at women receiving antenatal care, and focusing on the need for establishing feeding early. Women with health challenges and those with a history of poor milk production may require additional support to breastfeed as recommended.

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Timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers having children less than two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis using recent Demographic and Health Surveys data

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248976 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248976

Author(s):

Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale ◽

Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema

Keyword(s):

Health Facility ◽

Community Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Demographic And Health Surveys ◽

Health Facility Delivery ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Timely Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Background Despite the significant advantages of timely initiation of breastfeeding (TIBF), many countries particularly low- and middle-income countries have failed to initiate breastfeeding on time for their newborns. Optimal breastfeeding is one of the key components of the SDG that may help to achieve reduction of under-five mortality to 25 deaths per 1000 live births. Objective To assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers having children less than two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We used pooled data from the 35 sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). We used a total weighted sample of 101,815 women who ever breastfeed and who had living children under 2 years of age. We conducted the multilevel logistic regression and variables with p<0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were declared significantly associated with TIBF. Results The pooled prevalence of TIBF in SSA was 58.3% [95%CI; 58.0–58.6%] with huge variation between countries, ranging from 24% in Chad to 86% in Burundi. Both individual and community level variables were associated with TIBF. Among individual-level factors; being older-aged mothers, having primary education, being from wealthier households, exposure to mass media, being multiparous, intended pregnancy, delivery at a health facility, vaginal delivery, single birth, and average size of the child at birth were associated with higher odds of TIBF. Of community-level factors, rural place of residence, higher community level of ANC utilization, and health facility delivery were associated with higher odds of TIBF. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of TIBF in SSA was low. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with TIBF. The authors recommend interventions at both individual and community levels to increase ANC utilization as well as health facility delivery that are crucial for advertising optimal breastfeeding practices such as TIBF.

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Association of prenatal counselling and immediate postnatal support with early initiation of breastfeeding in Uttar Pradesh, India

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-021-00372-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vasanthakumar Namasivayam ◽

Bidyadhar Dehury ◽

Ravi Prakash ◽

Marissa Becker ◽

Lisa Avery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Community Development ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Place Of Delivery ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Prenatal Counselling ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

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.

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Early initiation of breastfeeding among recently delivered mothers in a rural area of Moradabad, India

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195058 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (11) ◽

pp. 4799

Author(s):

Neha Goyal

Keyword(s):

Rural Area ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Early Initiation ◽

World Health ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding defined by World Health Organization as initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, provides new-borns the best chance for survival, growth and development. Yet the rates of early initiation are still low (41.5%), varying widely in different parts of India. Present study was done to find the proportion of early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors in a rural area.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 recently delivered mothers residing in a rural area of Moradabad, who were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire with early initiation of breastfeeding as outcome variable. For statistical analysis Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used.Results: 61.64% recently delivered mothers responded that they had initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. Early initiation was significantly lower among working mothers as compared to housewives. No significant differences in timely initiation have been found with mother age, religion and type of family. However significant association of early initiation was found between full antenatal care (ANC) and breastfeeding counselling.Conclusions: More than sixty percent mothers initiated breastfeeding within an hour of delivery. Full ANC and breastfeeding counselling can help in improving rates of early initiation.

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Early initiation of breastfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than six months of old in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia, 2018

10.21203/rs.3.rs-72239/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tesfa Birlew ◽

Muluken Amare

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Early Initiation ◽

P Value ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Breastfeeding Practice ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract BackgroundEthiopian government implemented baby-friendly hospital initiative and community integrated management of childhood illnesses program. Despite early initiation of breastfeeding taken as a key tool for tackling neonatal mortality, EIBF is still low and most of the neonatal mortalities were existed due to delayed initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia in general and the practice is not well documented in South West Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, this study aimed to assess early initiation of breastfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than six months of old in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was employed from April 15 to May 15, 2018. A total of 487 recently delivered mothers were included. The data was collected through face to face interview by using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed and p-value < 0.05 was identified as statistically significant factors, and the quality of the data were assured, checked, coded, cleaned and entered in Epi-Info version 3.5.3 and exported to SPSS version 25 for the analysis. ResultThe prevalence of timely initiation of breast feeding was 296(64.50%) in Mizan- Aman Town. Mothers who had < 24 months birth spacing history 1.85(AOR: 95% CI: 1.22, 2.81), mothers’ income level between 1001-1500 Ethiopian Birr 2.21 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.12, 4.37), Primipara mothers 2.00 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.24, 3.23) and home delivery 2.76(AOR: 95% CI: 1.24, 6.14) were important positive predictors for timely initiation of breast feeding. Furthermore, Government employee and merchant mother by occupation was found to be protective factors.Conclusion and recommendationThe practice of early initiation of breast feeding was suboptimal and still below the national average. Intervention at the community and facility level should paid special attention.

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GAMBARAN PENGETAHUAN IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER III TENTANG INISIASI MENYUSUI DINI (IMD) DI KLINIK BERSALIN BUDI MULIA MEDIKA PALEMBANG TAHUN 2011

Jurnal Kebidanan : Jurnal Medical Science Ilmu Kesehatan Akademi Kebidanan Budi Mulia Palembang ◽

10.35325/kebidanan.v2i1.30 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuni Kurniati Yuni Kurniati

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Third Trimester ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Health Officer ◽

Analysis Technique ◽

Study Population ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Early Initiation suckle the baby strat breastfeeding immediately after birth alone. Based on the WHO study of about 3% annually (3.6 million) from 120 million babies born having the risk of death and nearly one million babies die later. An research, 22% of infant mortality under the age of 28 days can be prevented through early initiation of breastfeeding and 13% of deaths babies can be prevented through exclusive breastfeeding for six moon. Goal of this research to get a picture of third trimester pregnant women about the Initiation of Early Breastfeeding Budi Mulia Medika Clinic Palembang Year 2011. This research is descriptive research. The study population was all third trimester pregnant women who come to the clinic for pregnancy check Budi Mulia Medika Clinic Palembang Year 2011. Taking samples are taken by non-random manner with Accidental Sampling. Data analysis technique is done with the univariate analysis, this analysis is used to describe the frequency and percentage distribution of the Knowledge of Early Initiation Suckle covering (meaning, purpose, benefits, timing of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding). The results of this study of 34 respondents indicated that respondents' knowledge about the good of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding by 55.9% and less knowledgeable of 44.1%. From the research results are expected to improve the health officer counseling of Early Initiation suckle especially in pregnant women and more to apply the technique Of Early Initiation Suckle On new mothers. Abstrak Inisiasi Menyusui Dini adalah bayi mulai menyusu sendiri segera setelah lahir. Berdasarkan Penelitian WHO setiap tahunnya sekitar 3% (3,6 juta ) dari 120 juta bayi lahir mengalami resiko kematian dan hampir satu juta bayi kemudian meninggal.Suatu penelitian 22% kematian bayi dibawah umur 28 hari dapat dicegah melalui Inisiasi Menyusui Dini dan 13% kematian bayi dapat dicegah melalui pemberian ASI Ekslusif selama 6 bulan.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendapatkan gambaran pengetahuan ibu hamil trimester III tentang Inisiasi Menyusui Dini di Klinik Bersalin Budi Mulia MedikaTahun 2011. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian diskriptif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah semua ibu hamil trimester III yang datang untuk memeriksakan kehamilannya ke Klinik Bersalin Budi Mulia Medika Tahun 2011. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan cara non random dengan Accidental Sampling. Teknik analisa data di lakukan dengan analisa univariat,analisa ini digunakan untuk memperoleh gambaran distribusi frekuensi dan persentase dari Pengetahuan tentang Inisiasi Meyusui Dini yang meliputi (pengertian, tujuan, manfaat, waktu pemberian Inisiasi Menyusui Dini). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan dari 34 responden bahwa pengetahuan responden tentang Inisiasi Menyusui Dini yang baik sebesar 55,9% dan yang berpengetahuan kurang sebesar 44,1%. Dari hasil penelitian diharapkan agar petugas kesehatan meningkatkan peyuluhan tentang Inisiasi Meyusui Dini khususnya pada ibu hamil dan lebih menerapkan teknik Inisiasi Meyusui dini pada ibu yang baru melahirkan.

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Trends and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia from 2000 to 2016

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-019-0234-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Kedir Y. Ahmed ◽

Andrew Page ◽

Amit Arora ◽

Felix Akpojene Ogbo

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Maternal Employment ◽

National Level ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

Delayed Initiation ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background At the national level in Ethiopia, there is limited knowledge of trends and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), particularly during the Millenium Development Goal (MDG) era (2000–2015). The study aimed to examine the trends and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF in Ethiopia between 2000 and 2016. Methods Using the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data for the years: 2000 (n = 3680), 2005 (n = 3528), 2011 (n = 4037) and 2016 (n = 3861), trends in early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF were estimated. Multivariate logistic regression models that adjusted for confounders, sampling weight, clustering and stratification were used to examine the association between socioeconomic, demographic, health service and community level factors with early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF from 2000 to 2016. Results The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 48.8% in 2000 to 75.7% in 2016 in Ethiopia. Improvement in EBF prevalence was not statistically significant (from 54.5% in 2000 to 59.9% in 2016). Over the study period, informal maternal employment (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 0.75; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.68, 0.83), frequent antenatal care visits (aOR 0.74; 95% CI 0.65, 0.85), and cesarean birthing (aOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.17, 0.30) were associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Birthing in the health facility (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.05, 1.75) and residing in the metropolis region (aOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.65, 2.32) were associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. In a similar period, informally employed mothers (aOR 1.37; 95% CI 1.15, 1.63) and those with six or more family size (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.10, 1.93) were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies. Conclusion Early initiation of breastfeeding improved in Ethiopia during the MDG era but it is still below the national target; progress in EBF remained slow. To improve breastfeeding outcomes and meet the global breastfeeding targets in Ethiopia, infant feeding efforts should focus on improving key modifiable factors, including place and mode of birthing and socioeconomic status of mothers.

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Prevalence of and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among women with children aged < 24 months in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: a community-based cross-sectional study

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-020-00322-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Farida Ali ◽

Melina Mgongo ◽

Redempta Mamseri ◽

Johnston M. George ◽

Innocent B. Mboya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Providers ◽

Early Initiation ◽

Prelacteal Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽

Northern Tanzania ◽

Kilimanjaro Region ◽

Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Early initiation of breastfeeding offers nutritional and immunological benefits to the newborn, which is critical for health and survival. Understanding factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding is crucial for healthcare providers and policy-makers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children < 24 months of age in the Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania. Methods This study utilized secondary data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in April 2016 and April 2017 in the Kilimanjaro region. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants and interviewed using a questionnaire. A total of 1644 women with children aged < 24 months were analyzed. Modified Poisson regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with early initiation of breastfeeding, within first hour of life. Results The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding in the Kilimanjaro region was 70%, ranging from 64% in Same to 80% in Siha districts. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was lower among women who initiated prelacteal feeding compared to their counterparts (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.34, 0.53). Likewise, women living in Same and Hai district had lower prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding compared to women in Rombo (PR 0.8; 95% CI 0.76, 0.93) and (PR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80, 0.98) respectively. Higher prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was found in women with primary education compared to those with secondary education (PR 1.09; 95% CI 1.003, 1.18), and among women with two children compared to one child (PR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03, 1.26). Conclusions Early initiation of breastfeeding practice was suboptimal in this study. To improve early initiation of breastfeeding, healthcare providers at reproductive and child health clinics and labour wards should discourage women from prelacteal feeding, give more support to women with one child and those with secondary level of education and above. Furthermore, a qualitative study is crucial to understand the reasons for low prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding in Same and Hai districts.

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