Abstract
BackgroundIn spite of the negative impact of prelacteal feeding on the growth and development of children, it is widely practiced in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess prelacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 24 months in the North Wello zone.MethodsA quantitative community based cross-sectional study was employed during March 2015. Eight hundred and forty four (844) mother-child pairs were selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors.ResultsThe prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 11.1 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 9.0, 13.0). Colostrum discarding (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 8.7; 95 % CI (3.8, 20.1)) and lack of counseling about breastfeeding (AOR: 2.6; 95 % CI 1.27, 5.4) were the factors associated with prelacteal feeding. The major reasons stated for providing prelacteal feeds were “culture” and “do not have enough milk”.ConclusionPrelacteal feeds are offered to nearly one child in every ten in the North Wello zone. Colostrum removal and lack of counseling on breastfeeding at antenatal care visit are important positive predictors of prelacteal feeding practice. Awareness of the risks associated with prelacteal feeding, promotion of counseling on breastfeeding and the health benefit of colostrum during antenatal care visits are recommended interventions to reduce prelacteal feeding practices in the study areas.
Highlights
In spite of the negative impact of prelacteal feeding on the growth and development of children, it is widely practiced in Ethiopia
This study revealed that the prevalence of prelacteal feeding in Woldia, Kobo and Lalibela towns was 11.1 %, lower than a study conducted in the Raya kobo district (38.8 %) [18]
Prelacteal feeding is practiced in Woldia, Kobo and Lalibela towns, but is not prevalent as compared to the rural settings in the Amhara region
Summary
In spite of the negative impact of prelacteal feeding on the growth and development of children, it is widely practiced in Ethiopia. Breastfeeding is the natural way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development [1]. Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health [2]. It is recommended that breastfeeding should be continued for two years or more together with safe, nutritionally adequate, age appropriate, responsive complementary feeding starting from six months [4]. A prelacteal feed is any food except mothers’ milk provided to a newborn before breastfeeding is established. Optimal breastfeeding of infants under two years of age has a significant impact on child
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