Abstract

BackgroundColostrum is the first liquid that is produced in the first few days after delivery. It is the perfect first food for newborns which is considered as an infant’s first immunization. Despite of this fact colostrum is discarded as unclean and bad for the infant’s health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with colostrum avoidance in Woldia, Kobo and Lalibela town administrations of North Wollo zone.MethodsA quantitative community based cross sectional study was employed in March 2015 on 810 mothers of children aged less than 24 months. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the factors associated with colostrum avoidance. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable model were identified as predictors of colostrum avoidance practices.ResultsColostrum was discarded by 12.0% (95%CI: 10.0–14.0%) of mothers of children aged less than 24 months. In multivariable logistic regression analysis late initiation of breastfeeding [AOR (95% CI) =2.03 (1.18, 3.49)], prelacteal feeding [AOR (95% CI) =3.38 (1.83, 6.24)], mothers not living with their husband [AOR (95% CI) = 2.24 (1.22, 4.12)] and delivering the index child at home [AOR (95% CI) =2.92 (1.521, 5.59)] were independent positive predictors of colostrum avoidance practices.ConclusionThe foundation of any nutrition package for the prevention of childhood malnutrition is the promotion of an optimal breastfeeding practices, including colostrum feeding, in the community. Therefore, promoting institutional delivery, early initiation of breastfeeding and creating awareness on the dangers of prelacteal feeding and the advantages of colostrum feeding are recommended interventions to reduce colostrum avoidance practices in the study area.

Highlights

  • Colostrum is the first liquid that is produced in the first few days after delivery

  • This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with colostrum avoidance in Woldia, Kobo and Lalibela town administrations of North Wollo zone

  • In multivariable logistic regression analysis late initiation of breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, mothers who live without their husband and delivering the index child at home remained significant as independent positive predictors of colostrum avoidance among mothers of children aged less than 24 months

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Summary

Introduction

Colostrum is the first liquid that is produced in the first few days after delivery It is the perfect first food for newborns which is considered as an infant’s first immunization. World Health Organization (WHO) and united nation international children’s emergency fund (UNICEF) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for children up to 6 months of age, and to nourish them with appropriate complementary foods and continued breastfeeding from 6 months until 2 years or beyond [1]. Colostrum is slightly yellow, more viscous, and thicker It contains growth factors and protective proteins (immune factors) as well as all other nutrients the newborn needs to survive.

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