Abstract
BackgroundBreastfeeding performance index is an explanatory attempt to summarize key breastfeeding practices by summarizing the different dimensions of breastfeeding practices into a single summary variable. Breastfeeding performance index is used to assess optimal breastfeeding practices by constructing a single composite index that includes timely initiation of breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, current breastfeeding status, bottle feeding, any liquid given(except medicine) in the last 24 h, formula given in the last 24 h, any solid food given in the last 24 h. This study aimed to assess optimal breastfeeding practices of 0–6 month infants using breastfeeding performance index (BPI) and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia.MethodsA secondary data analysis was carried out based on the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2011 data. The BPI was created using seven components by giving equal weight for all components during scoring. The data were described using descriptive statistics and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of low, medium, and high BPI was 18.41, 57.96 and 23.63 % respectively. The mean BPI score was 4.38 (SD 1.25; 95 % CI 4.31, 4.45). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those infants who had low BPI score were 2.22 times (AOR = 2.22; 95 % CI 1.20, 4.11) and medium BPI category had 2.15 times at higher odds (AOR = 2.15; 95 % CI 1.23, 3.75) of developing diarrhea compared to infants in the highest BPI category. Being in the lower BPI category was significantly associated with higher odds of having fever (AOR = 1.73; 95 % CI 1.06, 2.80). Being in the medium index category was also associated with higher odds of having short and rapid breaths (AOR = 2.02; 95 % CI 1.01, 4.04).ConclusionMore than 80 % of the infants did not receive optimal breastfeeding practices based on the Breastfeeding Performance Index. Lower BPI was statistically associated with diarrhea, fever and short and rapid breaths illness in the last 2 weeks. This study implicates the importance of optimal breastfeeding to reduce childhood illness.
Highlights
Breastfeeding performance index is an explanatory attempt to summarize key breastfeeding practices by summarizing the different dimensions of breastfeeding practices into a single summary variable
Characteristics of the respondents A total of 22.66 % of the households included in the analysis were found in the poorest wealth index category and 87.79 % of the household were residing in the rural area
This study showed that as age approaches to 6 months the overall breastfeeding performance index (BPI) score deceases
Summary
Breastfeeding performance index is an explanatory attempt to summarize key breastfeeding practices by summarizing the different dimensions of breastfeeding practices into a single summary variable. This study aimed to assess optimal breastfeeding practices of 0–6 month infants using breastfeeding performance index (BPI) and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia. Optimal breastfeeding practices rank among the most effective interventions to improve child health [1]. Studies showed that globally 60 % of infant and young child deaths attributed to lack of optimal breastfeeding practices, of which more than 13 % of under five deaths can be prevented by promoting exclusive breastfeeding [1, 2]. Lack of optimal breastfeeding practice is responsible for 45 % of neonatal infectious deaths, 30 % of diarrheal deaths and 18 % of acute respiratory deaths in children under 5 years [3]. Optimal breastfeeding practices especially for infants < 6 months of age is not a single
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