Abstract
BackgroundThere is suboptimal early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) with widespread prelacteal feeding in Ghana. However, studies exploring the determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding are limited in Ghana. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 mothers with infants aged 0–24 months in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Northern Ghana. The quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Ghana’s demographic and health survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding.ResultsThe prevalence of EIBF and prelacteal feeding was 72% and 21%, respectively. The independent positive determinants of EIBF were partner support to breastfeed [adjusted Odds ratio (AOR): 1.86, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.09–3.17] and exposure to breastfeeding information during pregnancy (AOR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.01–2.64). Lower odds of EIBF were observed among mothers from extended family (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.95). Regarding prelacteal feeding, negative determinants were having a normal weight baby (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27–0.90), exposure to breastfeeding information during pregnancy (AOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.92), while experiencing delayed onset of lactation was a risk factor for prelacteal feeding practice (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.41–3.94).ConclusionIn this study, EIBF was slightly higher than the 2030 global target on EIBF with widespread prelacteal feeding practice. Health programs aimed at improving EIBF should focus on the women partners, nutrition counselling, and support to mothers from the extended family. In the same vein, programs aimed at discouraging prelacteal feeding practice should also target women at risk, such as those with low birthweight babies and women experiencing delayed lactation onset.
Highlights
Breastfeeding initiation is defined as starting human breastmilk feeding within one hour after birth [1]
The independent positive determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) were partner support to breastfeed [adjusted Odds ratio (AOR): 1.86, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.09–3.17] and exposure to breastfeeding information during pregnancy
Lower odds of EIBF were observed among mothers from extended family (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.95)
Summary
Breastfeeding initiation is defined as starting human breastmilk feeding within one hour after birth [1]. It plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality among neonates and infants. EIBF plays an essential role in reducing early new-born danger signs and severe illness, thereby reducing the risk of mortality in new-borns [2, 3]. Studies indicate that delayed breastfeeding initiation increases the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality [7, 8]. Studies exploring the determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding are limited in Ghana.
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