Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Pre-lacteal feeding (PLF) is a barrier to optimal breastfeeding and increases the risk of diarrhoea and acute respiratory tract infections in infants.The prevalence and predictors of PLF are not well studied in South Sudan. Understanding the predictors of PLF is crucial in designing interventions to increase exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates.Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with PLF in Jubek State, South Sudan.Method: This was a community based cross-sectional study of 810 mothers of children under two years of age in Jubek State, South Sudan. Mothers were interviewed in their homes using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on PLF, socio-demographic and birth characteristics. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with PLF.Results: A total of 426/810 (53 %), 95% confidence interval (CI) [48 %, 59 %] mothers had given pre-lacteal feeds to their infants. The commonest pre-lacteal feeds included glucose solution (54%), water (26%), and infant formula (14%). Having received antenatal breastfeeding counselling decreased the odds of PLF [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.60; 95% CI (0.43, 0.82)]; while discarding of colostrum increased the use of pre-lacteal feeds [AOR 1.57; 95% CI (1.17, 2.11)].Conclusion: The prevalence of PLF in South Sudan is high. Predictors of PLF included lack of breastfeeding counselling and discarding of colostrum. Infant feeding counselling should be given to all pregnant women in the health facilities and communities. The counselling should emphasize the health benefits of colostrum and discourage the practice of discarding it.
Highlights
Pre-lacteal feeding (PLF) is a barrier to optimal breastfeeding and increases the risk of diarrhoea and acute respiratory tract infections in infants.The prevalence and predictors of PLF are not well studied in South Sudan
Having received antenatal breastfeeding counselling decreased the odds of PLF [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.43, 0.82)]; while discarding of colostrum increased the use of pre-lacteal feeds [AOR 1.57; 95% CI (1.17, 2.11)]
Infant feeding counselling should be given to all pregnant women in the health facilities and communities
Summary
Pre-lacteal feeding (PLF) is a barrier to optimal breastfeeding and increases the risk of diarrhoea and acute respiratory tract infections in infants.The prevalence and predictors of PLF are not well studied in South Sudan. Pre-lacteal feeding (PLF) is defined as giving newborns liquids or foods other than breastmilk before breastfeeding is established. It is one of the practices jeopardizing optimal breastfeeding in low and middleincome countries (LMIC) [6,7]. The rationale behind discouraging PLF is that the feeds are contaminated This might introduce harmful microorganisms that increase the risk of diarrhoea and disrupt establishment of normal flora in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract [9]. Several studies have found that socio-economic conditions, lack of knowledge and cultural beliefs may contribute to PLF [11,12,13]
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