Assessment of colostrum avoidance practice and associated factors among mothers of children under 2 years in Debre Berhan town North Shwoa Zone, Ethiopia: a community-based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: A Scientific evidence has revealed early feeding of colostrum to the newborn is a key to tackle against harmful germs by coating his intestines, and helping to shield his immune system against germs. Objective: To assess Colostrum avoidance and associated factors among mothers of children under 2 years of age in Debre Berhan town North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess colostrum avoidance practice in Debre Berhan town with total sample of 296 mother’s of children under two years of age from January 15to February 20, 2021. Data were collected by using structured-interview questionnaires from randly selected four kebeles after proportionaly allocated the study population for eah kebeles. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to examine the possible predictors and chi-square test was doneto check variables with the statistical association of P-value of < 0.05 and OR with 95% confidence interval were considered. Result: All the study participants were enrolled in making a response rate of 100%.The mean age of the mother was 28.6 with 4.99 Standard deviation and the majority of them were orthodox 197 (66.6%) and 105(35.5%) of mothers were complete secondary education level. Out of 296, 122 (41.2%) of mothers were housewife, 262(88.5%) were married. The prevalence of colostrum avoidance was 17.9%, who did not feed colostrum for their child with different reasons. Out of this mothers who avoid their colostrum milk due to maternal illness 29(54.72%), dirty 4(7.55%) and Yellowish milk with 34(64.15%) of by their own decision and gave other feed 17 (25%).The reasons of colostrum avoidance with avoidance practice x2 =44 with p value <0.01 and COR =1.3(1.1-1.5, Prelacteal feedings were 3.16 higher to avoid their colostrum than those who had aware of colostrum feeding mothers (COR=4.2, AOR=3.16, 95% CI=1.6-6.19) were statistically associated with colostrum avoidance. Conclusion and recommendation: To improve neonatal health and growth, maternal awareness is decisive factor through delivering health education and promoting immediate colostrum feeding practice therefore, attention is required by community health workers to work on it.