Abstract
Background The role of colostrum in promoting the growth and development of the newborn as well as fighting infections is widely acknowledged. In Ethiopia, there are differences in cultures in the acceptability of colostrum and the prevalence of colostrum feeding. Although breastfeeding is a common practice in Ethiopia, there is a difference in the awareness and attitude of pregnant mothers regarding colostrum feeding. Objectives To assess knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards colostrum feeding among antenatal care attendant mothers in Gununo Health Center, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 342 ANC (antenatal care) attendant mothers in Gununo Health Center from April to May 2019. Data was collected by using structured interviewer questionnaires and the subjects were selected through systematic random sampling. Data template was prepared by Epi data-manger version 4.2 and SPSS version 23 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with 95% CI was employed. Variables found to have a p-value < 0.2 in the binary logistic regression were entered into multivariate analysis and strength of association was declared at p-value < 0.2 in the binary logistic regression were entered into multivariate analysis and strength of association was declared at Results Among the study participants 226 (66.1%) were knowledgeable and 39 (11.4%) were not knowledgeable on colostrum feeding. From the respondents, 239 (69.9%) had a positive attitude and the rest 103 (30.1%) mothers had a negative attitude towards colostrum feeding. Respondents who had more than four children (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.31, 2.47], ANC visit (four times and above) (AOR=2.8, 95% CI [2.23, 4.49]), and counseled about colostrum feeding (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [2.34, 3.74]), were some variables that significantly associated with knowledge of colostrum feeding. Those who had been counseled about breastfeeding (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.59–3.96]), ANC visit (AOR = 11.32, 95% CI [1.14, 112.64]), and multiparas (AOR = 5.68, 95% CI [1.57, 20.53]) were some variables that significantly associated with attitude. Conclusion and Recommendation. Even though the mothers' knowledge and attitude seem higher than from previously conducted articles in Ethiopia, still gaps were seen clearly on colostrum feeding in the area. It is recommended to set strategies to promote colostrum feeding.
Highlights
Colostrum is the first milk or a sticky white or yellow fluid secreted by the breast during the second half of the pregnancy and for a few days (3-4) after birth before the regular breast milk comes
According to a set criteria regarding the attitude of the respondents towards colostrum feeding the majority of mothers, 239 (69.9%) had a positive attitude toward colostrum and the remaining 103 (30.1%) had a negative attitude (Table 4)
Number of children alive, number of ANC visit, counseled about breastfeeding during ANC follow-up, history of support from their family about breastfeeding, and history of baby illness in the first 4 days of delivery were significantly associated with the knowledge of colostrum feeding at p-value of
Summary
Colostrum is the first milk or a sticky white or yellow fluid secreted by the breast during the second half of the pregnancy and for a few days (3-4) after birth before the regular breast milk comes. It is a concentrated form of ‘immature milk’, which is very high in protein, antibodies, and other protective components that are important for your newborn [1]. E study conducted in India on timely initiation of breastfeeding is recognized as the first and vital step toward reducing mortality in infants and children under-five years of age. Breastfeeding initiation is practiced by 39.6%, 83.7%, 47.3%, and 62.9% of women in Amibara district [7], Dale woreda [8], Gurage zone [9], and Debre Birhan [10] respectively
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