Abstract
IntroductionPrelacteal feeding remains an obstacle in achieving the best breastfeeding practices in the country. The growing poor breastfeeding practices are made worse by the continued engagement of the communities in prelacteal feeding practices. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of prelacteal feeding among mothers of children aged less than 24 months in Ile-Ife Southwest, Nigeria.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study that employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Two hundred and fifty-five (255) mother with children aged 0-23 months were recruited into the study using a multistage sampling technique. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done.ResultsIn this study, 26.3% of children were given prelacteal feeds. Glucose water (46.3%), sugar water (25.4%) and infant formula (17.9%) were commonly given prelacteal feeds. On multivariate analysis initiating breastfeeding after one hour (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.74, 95% CI 1.43, 5.23), not attending antenatal clinic (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.05, 5.33), delivery via caesarian section 52% (AOR = 1.52, 95 % CI 1.10, 6.34) were associated with increased odds of giving prelacteal feeds. Delivery attended by health professional 25% (AOR = 0.75. 95% CI 0.42, 0.97), highest wealth quintiles 21% (AOR =0.79, 95 % CI 0.51, 0.94) were associated with lowers odds of giving prelacteal feeds.ConclusionPrelacteal feeding was prevalent in the study community and associated with community, individual and health service-related factors. Intervention that strengthens individual and community access to appropriate health information and maternal health services is vital in reducing prelacteal feeding practices.
Highlights
Prelacteal feeding has been linked with poor breastfeeding and health outcomes
The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of prelacteal feeding practices among mothers with children aged less than 24 months in the Ile-Ife, Southwest, Nigeria
This is similar to findings from previous studies [21, 22]. The implication of this is that the types of feed given as prelacteal feeds has not changed just as the practice itself has not reduced significantly. This finding is corroborated by findings from focus group discussion which established that mothers are not unaware of benefits of optimal breastfeeding practices; they have a strong belief in practices passed down by their parents and elders in their immediate community
Summary
Prelacteal feeding has been linked with poor breastfeeding and health outcomes. It is a documented contributing factor to suboptimal breastfeeding practices. EBF is associated with greater reductions in infants risks for specific negative health outcomes, including gastrointestinal and respiratory infections [6] Breastfeeding practices such as early iniatiation and exclusive breastfeeding is the key practice that can reduce child death and morbidity [7, 8]. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommends the avoidance of prelacteal feeding within the first six months of life except it is medically indicated [11, 12], because it reduces the chances of a child receiving exclusive breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of prelacteal feeding practices among mothers with children aged less than 24 months in the Ile-Ife, Southwest, Nigeria
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