Background
Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is defined as initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. This is also the time colostrum is secreted with its potential benefits. Globally, two out of five under 5 children die in the first month of life, more than a third of which being on the first day. Neonatal mortality is still a major health problem in Ethiopia. EIBF and colostrum feeding are associated with decreased neonatal morbidity and mortality. With this study, we aim to determine the magnitude and factors associated with EIBF and colostrum avoidance.
Methods
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2016 on 390 mothers in Afar region. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify the association between the independent and the outcome variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of EIBF and colostrum avoidance. The strength of the association was measured by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used to test model goodness of fitness and multi-collinearity between independent variables was checked.
Results
About 248(63.6%) respondents initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. Mothers whose delivery was attended by a health professional had 4.75 times higher odds (AOR 4.75; 95% CI 1.71, 13.19) of EIBF as compared to those who were attended by others. Trust on nurses to provide pregnancy care (AOR 5.59; 95% CI 1.05, 29.8) was significantly associated with EIBF. About 300(76.9%) respondents discarded colostrum. Mothers who had no discussion with TBA on child nutrition were 6.6 times (AOR 6.63; 95% CI 1.43, 30.63) more likely to avoid colostrum than their counterparts.