Early Infant Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Southeast Nigeria

Ihuoma Kathleen Ukpabi,Uchenna Ekwochi,Chuka Pius Manyike,Kenneth Nchekwube Okeke,Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu,Ebelechuku Francesca Ugochukwu

doi:10.11648/j.ejcbs.20210704.13

Ihuoma Kathleen Ukpabi, Uchenna Ekwochi + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejcbs.20210704.13

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Abstract

Background: The promotion of optimal infant feeding practices is the most cost-effective of all interventions to reduce infant mortality. In spite of the recommendation of the WHO for optimal breastfeeding practices, several studies in Nigeria on early infant feeding practices have indicated a need for continuous auditing of feeding practices among mothers to make improvements. Objective: This study evaluated the early infant feeding practices of mothers and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, multi-centre, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 2,287 mother-infant pairs in 13 Baby Friendly Hospitals in Southeast Nigeria. Results: The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding [EIBF] within the first one hour of birth was 22.9%, while the exclusive breastfeeding [EBF] rate was 39.3%. The main deterrent to EBF was early introduction of water [94.0%], formula [40.9%] and complementary feeds [85.7%]. There was a statistically significant difference [p<0.001] between the nutritional status of the exclusively breastfed infants and those non-exclusively breastfed, with moderate underweight, and severe underweight malnutrition in the non-exclusively breastfed group. Sociodemographic factors associated with EBF were infant’s birth order [p<0.001], maternal age [p=0.010], mother’s and spouse’s education [p<0.001 and p<0.001], mother’s and spouse’s occupation [p<0.001 and p<0.001]. Conclusion: Policies and measures to promote hospital deliveries targeting all mothers, with special focus on the poor, rural, working, and primiparous mothers, should become a top priority to improve the rate of EIBF. Promotion of EBF with emphasis on the dangers of early introduction of water, formula and complementary feeding should be intensified.

Highlights

Infant feeding practices are critical to the survival of newborns and infants [1]
This finding is below the current national prevalence rate of 42% [23] and the average rate of 37.3% - 69.3% obtained for sub-Saharan African countries [19]
It is lower than the 78.3%, 85%, and 48.2% reported in Ile-Ife, Southwest [35], Nigeria, in a slum area of Bahir Dar Ethiopia [36], and by a previous study in Nnewi, [37] Southeast, Nigeria respectively

Summary

Introduction

Infant feeding practices are critical to the survival of newborns and infants [1]. Poor early infant feeding practices compromise the nutritional status and health of infants and have serious implications for their mental and physical development in the critical window from birth to age 2 [2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for optimal breastfeeding practices for nursing mothers include early initiation of breastfeeding [EIBF], within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding [EBF], and introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary [solid] foods at 6 months, together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond [3]. Optimal breastfeeding practice is the most effective and affordable feeding practice that ensures adequate nutrition in the early months of life with resultant good health indices. Promotion of EBF with emphasis on the dangers of early introduction of water, formula and complementary feeding should be intensified

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Discussion

Conclusion