Prevalence and predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ghana: an analysis of 2017\u20132018 multiple indicator cluster survey

Paschal Awingura Apanga,Maxwell Tii Kumbeni

doi:10.1186/s13006-021-00383-3

Abstract

BackgroundTimely initiation of breastfeeding is putting the newborn baby to the breast within 1 h of birth. Its practice can prevent neonatal and under-5 mortality. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers in Ghana.MethodsWe used data from the 2017–2018 Ghana multiple indicator cluster survey and our analysis was restricted to 3466 mothers who had a live birth within 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding whilst adjusting for potential confounders, and accounted for clustering, stratification, and sample weights.ResultsThe prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding was 52.3% (95% CI 49.7%, 54.9%). Mothers who were assisted by a skilled attendant at birth had 65% higher odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding compared to mothers who were not assisted by a skilled attendant (adjusted prevalence odds ratio [aPOR] 1.65; 95% CI 1.28, 2.13). Mothers who delivered by Caesarean section had 74% lower odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding compared to mothers who had vaginal delivery (aPOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.18, 0.36). Mothers who had planned their pregnancy had 31% higher odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding compared to mothers who had an unplanned pregnancy (aPOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.05, 1.63). There were also 74% and 51% higher odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers who perceived their baby was large (aPOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.34, 2.26), and of average size (aPOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16, 1.97) at birth respectively, compared to mothers who perceived their baby was small.ConclusionsInterventions to increase timely initiation of breastfeeding should provide breastfeeding support to mothers who have had a Caesarean section, small sized babies and unplanned pregnancies, and to promote birthing by skilled birth attendants.Please noteThe original version of this article was retracted after we noticed an error in our analysis that affected the overall sample size: Apanga, P.A., Kumbeni, M.T. Retraction Note: Prevalence and predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ghana: an analysis of 2017–2018 multiple indicator cluster survey. Int Breastfeed J 16, 16 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-021-00362-8

Highlights

Initiation of breastfeeding is putting the newborn baby to the breast within 1 h of birth
Predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding The multivariable logistic regression results showed that mothers who were assisted by a skilled attendant during delivery had 65% higher odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding as compared to mothers who were not assisted by a skilled attendant at birth
Our results showed that planned pregnancy, delivery assisted by a skilled attendant and perceived size of a baby were positively associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding, whilst Caesarean section was negatively associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding

Summary

Introduction

Initiation of breastfeeding is putting the newborn baby to the breast within 1 h of birth. Initiation of breastfeeding is putting the newborn to the breast within 1 h of birth [2]. The rich protective factors in colostrum can reduce neonatal mortality when given to the newborn within the first hour of birth [4]. Initiation of breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin and enables contraction of the uterus and decreases postpartum haemorrhage [7]. It facilitates motherinfant bonding and is positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice [8]

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