Abstract:
ABSTRACT Introduction: Prelacteal feeding is one of the major harmful newborn feeding practices in developing countries. Introduction of prelacteal feeding is a barrier for optimal breast-feeding practices. Despite the fact that prelacteal feeding has a negative effect on child health, little is known about the extent of the problem and its contributing factors in the study area.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of prelacteal feeding practices and associated factors among Mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia, 2018/19.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinka Town from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 430 mothers having children less than 12 months of age were selected by systematic sampling technique. The data were collected by using pretested interviewer administered structured questionnaires. The data was entered using Epidata 4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at a p-value < 0.05 was estimated to identify statistically significant variables with prelacteal feeding practices.
Results: In this study 420 Mothers were participated with a response rate of 97.7%. The prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was 12.6% [95% CI (9.5-15.7)]. Having no maternal education [AOR=4.82(95%CI 1.60-14.24)], Colostrum avoidance [AOR= 4.09(95% CI 1.627.67)], Lack of breast feeding counselling [AOR:= 2.51(95% CI 1.20-5.25)], Home delivery [AOR= 3.34 (95% CI 1.52-7.33)], Didn’t know risks of prelacteal feeding [AOR= 2.86 (95% Cl 1.30-6.29] and Poor knowledge on breast feeding practices [AOR=3.63(95% CI 1.62-8.11)] were factors positively associated with prelacteal feeding practices.
Conclusion and recommendations: Prelacteal feeding practice among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town was found to be higher than the national prevalence. Inability to read and write, Colostrum avoidance, lack of breast-feeding counselling, home delivery, lack of knowledge on risk of prelacteal feeding and poor knowledge on breastfeeding feeding practice were factors associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Strengthening institutional delivery services and educating mothers both at community and institutional
