Prevalence and Determinants of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is crucial for mothers as well as children’s health, and also has the potential to prevent neonatal mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with EIBF among mothers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2019, based on a sample of 422 mothers of children aged under 6 months. Data were collected by in-person interviews from a hospital’s outdoor through a structured questionnaire consisted of demographic, reproductive, and healthcare utilization information. Association between variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of EIBF among mothers was 48.3% [95% CI: 43.4–53.3]. Multiple logistic regression showed that being a housewife, having family income of > 10,000 BDT (Bangladeshi currency) per month, mothers education level, being multiparous, normal delivery, ANC (antenatal care) visits for ≥ 3 times, counseling prior to conception, and skin-to-skin contact after delivery significantly increased the likelihood of EIBF among mothers. Besides, mothers who gave birth to low-weight babies and provided pre-lacteal feeds to them were negatively associated with EIBF. EIBF has improved in Bangladesh during MDG era, but progress still remains slower. Key modifiable factors such as maternal education, normal delivery, ANC visits, skin-to-skin contact, and pre-lacteal feeding need to be improved to enhance the EIBF for reducing child malnutrition and mortality.