Prelacteal Feeding Practices Research Articles

Pre-lacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers having children aged less than six months in Dilla town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundPre-lacteal feeding, the introduction of liquids or non-breast milk foods before establishing regular breastfeeding, poses significant risks to newborns, depriving them of vital nutrients and the protective benefits of colostrum while exposing them to infection hazards. Despite breast milk being a renewable and comprehensive source of infant nutrition for the first six months of life, prevalent in many low income country are pre-lacteal feeds such as honey, sugar-water, jiggery water, castor oil, and goat’s milk. These practices, widespread in such regions, carry potential risks of infection and aspiration. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding and identify associated factors among mothers with children under six months in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study took place in Dilla town, southern Ethiopia, spanning from June 20 to August 20, 2022. The study included a total of 372 participants, selected through simple random sampling for kebele and systematic random sampling for individual participants. Data was collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and subsequently coded, entered, cleaned, and edited using SPSS version 23.0 software. The presentation of data utilized tables and figures, followed by a logistic regression analysis to identify potential factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding. The significance level was set at a p-value less than 0.05 for the final model.ResultThe prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 176 (47.3%) in the study area and having no maternal education (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI; [1.01–5.84] colostrum avoidance (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI; [2.03–6.86] and lack of breast feeding counseling (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI; 1.40–2.57), were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices.Conclusion and recommendationPre-lacteal feeding practice among mothers of children aged less than 6 months in Dilla town was found to be higher than the national prevalence. No formal education, colostrum avoidance, lack of breastfeeding counseling, were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices. So awareness creation activities on the risks of PLF (pre-lacteal feeding) and improving breastfeeding counseling targeted to all mothers and care givers including their families within the study area is vital.

Prelacteal feeding practices with stunted in infants

Indonesia still has a high prevalence of stunting compared with several other Southeast Asian countries. The National Survey on Nutritional Status in Indonesia in 2022 reported that stunting in Indonesia was 18.5%, while Bangka Regency recorded a stunting prevalence of 16.2%. Feeding under the age of six months has become one of the factors of stunting. This requires concrete effort to handle the problem of stunting. This study aimed to assess the association between prelacteal feeding practices and infant stunting. The research used a cross-sectional design in the Kenangan Health Centre area, Bangka Regency, in May 2023. A sample of 173 infants aged 0-6 months was obtained using cluster random sampling. The height of the selected infants was measured using a lenghtboard and an infantometer. Interviews related to practical feeding were conducted with the parents using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test with α= 0,05. The results showed that 14,5% of mothers gave prelacteal food to their infants until 6 months of age. There was a relationship between prelacteal feeding practices and stunting in the Kenanga Health Center working area (p= 0,001; r= -0,663). There was a negative correlation between prelacteal feeding practices and stunting. In conclusion, there is a significant negative relationship between prelacteal feeding practices and infant stunting.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice among Mothers in Rural Areas of Gazipur District, Bangladesh

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 599 mothers who had at least one child aged 0–23-month to determine infant and young child feeding practice (IYCF) in rural areas of Bangladesh. The study was conducted between November 2019 and March 2020 in rural areas of Gazipur district. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of 599 respondents, the majority (62.93%) were in the 21-30 years age-group. Only 6.67% were illiterate and the rest of the respondents were literate with different levels of education. About one third (33.38%) of the respondents had monthly income between BDT 5001- 15000. 27% of the mothers could not give colostrum to the babies; half of them (50%) mentioned that baby could not suck well, while 43.83% mentioned being advised by the elders (not to give colostrum) and 6.17% mentioned their own illness. Pre-lacteal feeding practice was observed among 27% mothers and common pre-lacteal food was honey (61.25%), sugar water (35.63%) and animal milk (4.32%). Breastfeeding was initiated within the first hour of birth among 73.29% of mothers. 53.26% percent of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Difficulties faced by mothers for EBF are insufficient secretion of breast milk (46.42%), not having knowledge about EBF (42.51%), and mother’s illness (11.07%). Most of the mothers (81.63%) gave complementary feeding in the correct time (6 months) and predominant complementary food was Khichuri (51.91%); however, most of them (60.77%) gave complementary food ≤3 times in a day. Our data suggests that the practice of IYCF was not optimum among the rural mothers. To improve this condition, it is necessary to motivate mothers through proper health education about the positive impacts of IYCF on child health. CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 28-34

Pre-lacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers with children under the age of two years in Dubti town, Afar region, North East Ethiopia: a community based mixed study design.

Pre-lacteal feeding prevents the early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. It is understudied in Afar, a pastoral region in northeast Ethiopia. The study assessed the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers with children under the age of two years in Dubti, North East Ethiopia. A community-based mixed-study design was employed. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 370 study participants for the quantitative study, while purposive sampling was used to select 17 study participants for the qualitative study. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between independent variables and dependent variable. The results of logistic regression analysis were presented as an odd ratio with a 95% CI. A P-value <0.05 was used as a cutoff point to determine statistical significance. The qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Pre-lacteal feeding was practiced by 36% of mothers. Afar ethnicity (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1), an extended family size (≥5) (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02-2.9), a birth interval of less than 2 years (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.59-4.82), the first birth order of an indexed child (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI: 2.14-7.0), male-indexed children (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.67-5.2), and no antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.67), or once or twice antenatal visits were significantly associated with pre-lacteal feeding practice. Breastfeeding counseling (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7) and delivery at a health institution (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.17-0.55) were protective factors of pre-lacteal feeding practice. The most common pre-lacteal foods were dairy products, water, and certain plant species. Cultural beliefs are the main reason for practicing these pre-lacteal feedings. A significant number of study participants practiced prelacteal feeding. A public health campaign emphasizing the importance of antenatal care follow-ups should be initiated. Breastfeeding counseling and delivery in a health facility should also be strengthened. Community health education about the disadvantages of pre-lacteal feeding practices should be provided to reduce traditional beliefs.

Linking infant and young child feeding practices to Z-scores: Unraveling the impact on childhood stunting and wasting

Abstract Introduction: Poor infant feeding practices predispose children to nutritional disorders which may persist into early childhood with life-long consequences. We aimed to find out prevalence of malnutrition among children aged less than six years and to assess infant and young children feeding practices and their impact on malnutrition. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2021 and May 2022 among children up to six years of age registered in the Anganwadi centers of Rajkot district. Using the formula n = Z 2 pq/e 2, a sample size of 504 was estimated, including 10% nonresponders. Samples were drawn using a multistage simple random sampling method. The z scores related to the anthropometric measurements were estimated using the World Health Organization Anthro 2011 software. We reported prevalence of different types of malnutrition and infant and young child feeding practices. A logistic regression was used to identify significant factors for stunting and wasting (P &lt; 0.05). Results: The mean age of the children was 32.43 months (SD 18.7 months). The prevalence of stunting and wasting was found 36.7% and 30.5%, respectively. The prevalence of prelacteal feeding practices was 72.8%. Less than one-fourth (21.4%) of children were exclusively breastfed and 77.9% of the children received complementary feeding at appropriate age. The binary logistic regression model showed that stunted growth was strongly associated with exclusive breastfeeding and complementary foods’ introduction at the appropriate age. Conclusion: As compared to national, state, and district averages, the prevalence of wasting was remarkably higher among children included in the study. In addition, the study underscores the disturbingly high prevalence of prelacteal feeding practices, which can have a detrimental effect on the health of newborns.

SOCIO-CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES IN NIGER

Background&#x0D; Niger has one of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in the world. Prelacteal feeding practices may contribute to low EBF rates, but research on the barriers related to EBF in Niger is limited.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to identify socio-cultural determinants for, and barriers to, EBF during an infant’s first 6 months through maternal perspectives in Niamey, the capital of Niger.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Participants were mothers with children aged 0 to 24 months in Niamey, Niger. Participants completed an interview including a 20-item questionnaire on socio-demographics, breastfeeding support and knowledge, a short food security survey, and a 24-hour diet recall. Infant anthropometric data (height, weight, upper arm circumference) was collected from patient records.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; All participants (n=31) breastfed and a majority of the mothers were planning to breastfeed until the child reached 18 months old. No mother among the participants practiced EBF for the recommended 6 months because of the common practice of prelacteal feeding, where solid or liquid foods were introduced before 6 months of age. Most participants stated that they were instructed on how to feed their child by a close relative such as their mother or sister, while health professionals rarely gave such instructions.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; Exclusive breastfeeding is not a common practice among mothers in Niamey. Even though many breastfeed their infant for a relatively long duration, the participants disclosed that they often feed their infants solid and liquid foods before they reach the recommended age for complementary feeding, and sometimes within 48 hours after birth. Study results may inform the development of breastfeeding education components in clinics where mothers attend pre and postnatal consultations.

First 72-hours after birth: Newborn feeding practices and neonatal mortality in India.

The reductions in mortality levels among children under five years are observed in most populations, including populations that were lagging the progress in the past. However, the reduction is not uniform across ages during childhood. The mortality declines within the first month have shown relatively slow progress. Early initiation of breastfeeding and discarding pre-lacteal feed protects the newborn from acquiring infection and, thereby, reduces mortality. This paper assesses the change in the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and pre-lacteal feed along with their associated factors, and their association with neonatal mortality in India. We used data from the three rounds of National Family Health Surveys conducted during 2005-06, 2015-16 and 2019-21 in India. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine prevalence rates, risk factors, and relationships between breastfeeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding and pre-lacteal feed, and neonatal mortality. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after birth increased rapidly from 25% in 2005-06 to 42% in 2019-21, and the pre-lacteal feeding practice declined from 57% in 2005-06 to 15% in 2019-21. Pre-lacteal feed is lower in states/districts where early breastfeeding initiation is predominant and vice versa. The role of health professionals during pregnancy and the first two days after delivery significantly improved breastfeeding practice. Further, the findings suggest that an early breastfeeding initiation is associated with lower neonatal mortality, whereas pre-lacteal feed is not harmful compared to late breastfeeding initiation. Prevalence of pre-lacteal feed reduced, and initiation of early breastfeeding increased considerably after the launch of the National Rural Health Mission in India. However, after 2015-16, early breastfeeding initiation has stagnated, and the decline in pre-lacteal feed has slowed down. The future program needs special attention to emphasize the availability and accessibility of breastfeeding advisers and observers in health facilities to help mitigate adverse neonatal outcomes.

Comparative study of feeding practices among children less than two years attending rural and urban primary health centers, Mysuru, Karnataka

Background: Breastfeeding is considered one of the most significant aspects of a child's health and survival. Breastfeeding is unquestionably the "GOLD STANDARD" dietary intake during the first six months after birth. So it is necessary to know about the feeding practices among children less than two years in both rural and urban areas. Aim of study was to compare the feeding practices among children less than two years attending the urban and rural Primary health centers under JSS Medical College, Mysuru. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 mother and their children residing in both rural and urban areas of Mysuru for six months. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic characteristics and feeding practices. Feeding practices among study subjects were analyzed using SPSS 23 software. Results: In the present study, 35% had poor, 57.1% had average and 7.9% had good infant and early child feeding practices in rural areas, on the other hand, 19.3% had poor, 55.0% had average and 25.7% had good in urban. In this study, the frequency of breastfeeding practices, pre-lacteal feeding, and overall feeding practices were significantly associated with place of residence. Conclusions: This study concludes that though pre-lacteal feeding and bottle feeding were more in urban areas, the overall feeding practices were poorer in rural than urban.

Early Breastfeeding Initiation, Caesarean Section, And Pre-Lacteal Feeding Practices

Pre-lacteal feeding practices prevalence in Indonesia was 45%. This study's objective was to analyze factors that correlate with pre-lacteal feeding practices in Kedungsari Village, Tarokan District, Kediri Regency. This study was a cross-sectional design with 104 subjects. The subject recruited by total sampling technique was a mother of 6 – 24month-old children who came to Integrated Health Pos (Posyandu) in Kedungsari Village in January 2022. The variables studied included pre-lacteal feeding practices, socio-demographic factors, and birth-related factors. Data analyzed were univariate, bivariate, and multivariate. The bivariate analysis used the Kendall Tau b correlation test, while the multivariate analysis used the multiple logistic regression test. Pre-lacteal feeding practices prevalence among those under 24 months old in Kedungsari Village was 44.2%. History of caesarean section delivery was a risk factor of pre-lacteal feeding practices (p=0.029 and 95%CI=1.140 – 12.226). Early breastfeeding initiation was a protective factor of pre-lacteal feeding practices (p=0.036 and 95%CI= 0.093 – 0.921). Only 20.9% of pre-lacteal feeding practices can be predicted by early breastfeeding initiation and history of cesarean delivery, while 79.1% other predicted by factors outside this study. Further research is needed to analyze other factors that contributed to pre-lacteal feeding practices in Kedungsari Village.

Determinants of Nutritional Status among Mothers and their Children of Age 6–59 Months

Objectives: The main aim is to study the determinants of nutritional status among mothers and their children aged 6–59 months in Nepal’s Panauti municipality. Material and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 mothers and their children 6–59 months residing in ward no. 1, 2, and 4 of Panauti Municipality. A combination of a semi-structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements was used to assess various determinants of nutritional status. A Chi-square test was used to check the association between variables. Results: The study found that the prevalence of maternal underweight was low (2.7%) whereas the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 36.7% and 13.7%, respectively. Around 27.9% of the children were severely stunted, 3.6% underweight, and 3.5% wasted, whereas 22.1% of the children were overweight. About 54% of the mothers and 57.52% of the children were malnourished. Ethnicity was significantly associated with mothers’ nutritional status and factors such as ethnicity, pre-lacteal feeding, and cultural practices of the mother were significantly associated with the nutritional status of children. Conclusion: The study concluded that more than half of the mothers and children were malnourished. Demographic factors-like ethnicity were significantly associated with the nutritional status of mothers and children, whereas factors like pre-lacteal feeding and cultural practices of the mother were significantly associated with the nutritional status of the children.

Determinants of pre-lacteal feeding practice in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2019 Mini Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), a community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Every year, 10.9 million people die around the world. More than two-thirds of deaths were associated with inappropriate feeding practices. Within the first three days after birth, nearly two out of every five newborns are given fluids other than breast milk. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of pre-lacteal feeding practice in Ethiopia among mothers who had a live birth child under the age of 24 months. Methods: Secondary data from Ethiopia's 2019 Mini Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) were used. A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling method was employed in the MDHS. A total of 8,885 reproductive-age women were interviewed in the survey, but only 2,061 women with a live birth child under the age of two years were included. Our study focused on the details obtained for these 2,061 women. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices among them. A Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to check the model fitness and a multicollinearity test was used to diagnosis collinearity between independent variables. Results: The results revealed that 12.1% (95%CI; 10.30%, 13.9%) of the women practiced pre-lacteal feeding. Mothers who lived in pastoralist regions (AOR:3.2; 95%CI: 1.5-6.84), who hadn’t attended antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR:3.83; 95%CI: 1.55-6.27), who had attended 1-3 visits (AOR:1.65; 95%CI: 1.15-3.94), who delivered at home (AOR:1.72, 95%CI: 1.20-2.43), those who delivered by Caesarean section (AOR:3.72; 95%CI: 2.32-5.96), mothers who started breastfeeding after one hour (AOR:4.41; 95%CI: 3.23-6.02) were identified as the groups most associated with pre-lacteal feeding. Conclusions: Pre-lacteal feeding was practiced by a significant number of women in this study. Living in a pastoralist region, attending 1-3 ANC visits, home delivery, caesarean section delivery, and late initiation of breastfeeding were the determinant factors of prelacteal feeding among the women.

Influence of eating concept on eating behavior and stunting in Indonesian Madurese ethnic group

Background and objectivesStunting is a serious public health problem in Indonesia. Madura Island, which is inhabited by the Madurese ethnicity, had a very high stunting prevalence. The cultural factors of stunting mainly focus on food, food taboos, and early complementary feeding or prelacteal feeding practices. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the eating concept and its association with child feeding practices and stunting among the Madurese ethnic group in Indonesia.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in Sampang District, Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia. A total of 61 informants participated in this study (25 informants of in-depth interviews, 26 informants of FGDs, and 10 families in observations). Data collection consists of culture, values, and beliefs in child feeding practices that influence children’s nutritional status. The analysis used was content analysis by emphasizing the meanings, themes, and concepts of eating and stunting.Results and conclusionsStunting was considered a normal condition rather than a nutritional problem. The concept of eating is “eating rice.” Eating without other dishes is acceptable as long as there is rice on the plate. This concept affects inappropriate complementary food feeding practices and malnutrition among children under five. Overall, the study contributed to the improvement of the stunting reduction program by addressing how Madurese thought about eating and stunting.

Pre-Lacteal Feeding Practice in Hospitals of Lahore; A Multicenter Study

Background: Introduction of Pre-lacteal feeding soon after the baby is born is a common practice, and different predictors of PLFs have been reported worldwide. Mainly, people practice Pre-lacteal feeding to follow the religious beliefs or cultural traditions of their area. Objective: To describe the frequency, nature, reasons, and factors associated with Pre-lacteal feeding. Methods: 320 mothers and their neonates were studied from January 2022 to March 2022. Family and infant socioeconomic status, PLF classification, and PLF triggers were all recorded. Results: Nearly two-thirds of the infants were given prelacteal meals. Honey accounted for 59.3% of all PLFs. Conventional/historical reasons accounted for 80.2% of all PLF distributions in 2017. The independent predictors of PLF are urban residence, maternal education, age of mother and trend running in the family. Conclusion: Advantages of Pre-lacteal feeding along with breastfeeding should be studied more comprehensively to define a clear-cut relationship between the two.

Effect of cesarean section on breastfeeding at the age of 6 months

Background and aim Milk from a mother’s breast is the most suitable nutrient source for healthy growth and development of infants. Cesarean section (CS) is one of the factors that affect breastfeeding. This study aimed to show the effect of CS on breastfeeding at the age of 6 months. Patients and methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in primary health care centers of Sherbin District during a period of 1 year from December 2018 to December 2019. Each mother underwent full history taking and assessment of breastfeeding state regarding the following parameters: time of initiation of breastfeeding, no prelacteal feeding practice, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and breastfeeding performance index (BFPI). Results Time of initiation of breastfeeding, no prelacteal feeding practice, EBF, and BFPI are significantly higher in normal vaginal delivery than CS, with P values of 0.043, 0.028, 0.001, and less than or equal to 0.001, respectively. CS group is more likely to be younger and primiparous than the vaginal group. EBF was more evident among housewives, previously breastfed mothers, and mothers delivered vaginally than the CS group. Suckling before 1 h is more common among older mothers (&gt;30 years of age), multiparous mothers, and previously breastfed mothers. Labor in a nonprivate place and CS were found to have a 30% more incidence of suckling after 1 h. No prelacteal feeding practice is more commonly seen among older mothers, multiparous, previously breastfed mothers, and mothers delivered vaginally than the CS group. Previously breastfed mothers and mothers delivered vaginally are more likely to have high BFPI. Conclusions CS is a negatively associated with EBF, early breastfeeding start, no prelacteal feeding practice, and BFPI.

Prelacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children less than two years of age in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis

BackgroundPrelacteal feeding is the main obstacle for exclusive breastfeeding and the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The practice is one of a deep-rooted public health problem of Ethiopia that needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and independent predictors of prelacteal feeding practice in Ethiopia. MethodsThis study used data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. A two-stage multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was conducted to identify individual and community-level predictors of prelacteal feeding practice of mothers. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value less than 5% and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were reported as statistically significant variables with prelacteal feeding practice. ResultThe prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice among mothers of children less than 2 years old in Ethiopia was 16.31% (95% CI: 14.7%, 17.9%). Women who had multiple births [AOR = 4.62; 95%CI: 1.63, 13.08], delivered through cesarean section [AOR = 2.66; 95%CI: 1.63, 4.33], initiated breastfeeding after 1 hour of delivery [AOR = 3.16; 95%CI: 2.25, 4.47] and mothers who were from pastoralist region [AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.22, 3.68] were more likely to practice prelacteal feeding than their counterparts. ConclusionThis study revealed that the prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice remained a great public health concern of the country. Type of birth, mode of delivery, initiation of breastfeeding and geographic region where the mothers reside were factors that were positively associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, behavior change communication need to be applied using a variety of communication channels to halt this harmful traditional practice. In addition, promotion of institutional delivery and early initiation of breastfeeding practice using the existing strategies need to be strengthened with special emphasis given to marginalized women in order to diminish the practice in Ethiopia.

Disparities in early initiation of breast feeding and prelacteal feeding: A study of low- and middle-income countries.

Early initiation of breast feeding (EIBF) reduces the risk of neonatal mortality. However, only 45% of newborns are breast-fed within the first hour after birth and prelacteal feeding (PLF) is widely prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To assess within- and between-country disparities in EIBF and PLF practices by household wealth and place of birth and to investigate the national-level correlation between these feeding indicators in LMICs. Data from Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2010-2019) in 76 LMICs were used to investigate within-country disparities in EIBF, any PLF, milk-based prelacteal feeding (MPLF), and water-based prelacteal feeding (WPLF) by wealth quintiles and place of childbirth (institutional [private or public sector] or in-home) for children under two years. We examined the between-country Pearson's correlation between EIBF and types of PLF, later adjusted for per capita gross domestic product (GDP). No clear wealth-related differences were found for EIBF and WPLF; however, any PLF and MPLF were significantly higher in children belonging to the richest 20% of households but are also prevalent among lower income groups. Prevalence of any PLF was higher among institutional births in all LMICs, but especially for MPLF in private sector deliveries in East Asia & the Pacific, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean. WPLF was more common in all African regions. EIBF was inversely correlated with any PLF (r=-0.59, 95% CI -0.72, -0.42), MPLF (r=-0.41, 95% CI -0.58, -0.21) and WPLF (r=-0.34, 95% CI -0.53, -0.13). Adjustment for log-GDP did not affect the magnitude and direction of the results. Clear prorich disparities exist in the prevalence of PLF, especially MPLF. Children born in private sector facilities are more likely to receive MPLF. EIBF is negatively associated with PLF practices in LMICs. The promotion of better early feeding practices is urgent to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal to reduce neonatal mortality to 12 deaths per 1000 live births.

Factors Associated With Pre-Lacteal Feeding Practices Among Mothers Having Children Aged 0-36 Months in Bangladesh: Evidence From Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18.

Despite being a known barrier to optimal breast-feeding indicators, the practice of Pre-lacteal Feeding (PLF) remains a key challenge in Bangladesh. This study examines the prevalence and underlying factors associated with PLF, for which data from a weighted sample of 4982 Bangladeshi mothers with children aged 0 to 36 months from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey was used. Step-by-step multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the association of significant determinants of PLF practices. Nearly 29% newborns received PLF before breastmilk and timely initiation of breastfeeding did not happen in case of 20.5% babies. The odds of PLF were significantly higher among the inhabitants of Dhaka division compared to other regions. In addition, birth-related factors such as optimal ANC visits (P < .01), home delivery (P < .01) and delivered by cesarean section (P < .01) showed significantly higher odds of introducing PLF to the newborns. Our results demonstrated the need for developing targeted policies and actions to prevent such practices of PLF in order to improve optimal breastfeeding behavior in Bangladesh.

Determinants of prelacteal feeding practice in Uganda; a population based cross-sectional study using Uganda demographic and health survey data.

Breastfeeding has well-established short-term and long-term health benefits for both the mother and infant. Initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth stimulates breast milk production. Prelacteal feeding (PLF) may result in late initiation of breastfeeding, and thus insufficient production of breast milk. This study aimed to identify the determinants of PLF among children under five years in Uganda. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the data from the database of Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2011. The data of 4,774 children/mothers were evaluated in this study. The prevalence of PLF was 40.3%. The rate of PLF practice was found to be 2.15 times higher in women with moderate economic status and 2.02 times higher in women with high economic status compared to those who have low economic status. The rate of PLF practice was found to be 1.73 times higher in newborns delivered by an unskilled birth attendant and 4.35 times higher in newborns delivered with no birth attendant compared to those infants delivered by a skilled birth attendant. The ratio of PLF practice was found to be 2.49 times higher in multiple births. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding in the first 24 hours after birth had higher odds of PLF. No relationship was found between PLF practice with some sociodemographic characteristics of mother's (age, marital status, educational status, religion, residential location), maternal factors (number of children, antenatal and postnatal care attendance, place of delivery), and characteristics of the newborn infants (sex, type of delivery, birth order number) in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. All mothers should be informed about the importance of initiation of breastfeeding immediately after delivery, the risks associated with PLF, the optimal practices for breastfeeding, and the presence of a skilled birth attendant at delivery.

Prevalence and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana: A cross-sectional survey.

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.

Prelacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers having children less than 2\u2009years of age in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of the recent demographic and health surveys

BackgroundPrelacteal feeding is a major public health problem that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. It also result delayed breastfeeding initiation and interferes with exclusive breastfeeding. Although numerous studies have been done on prelacteal feeding in individual East African countries, most of them did not consider community-level factors that could affect the likelihood of prelacteal feeding. This study, thus, aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding practice in East Africa.MethodsWe used pooled data from the 12 east Africa countries Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total weighted sample of 33,423 women was included in the final analysis. We employed multilevel logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Finally, the Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence (CI) interval was reported and variables with p value< 0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were declared to be significant predictors of prelacteal feeding practice.ResultIn this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was 11.85% (95%CI: 11.50, 12.20) with great variation between countries, ranging from 3.08% (95%CI: 2.35, 3.81) in Malawi to 39.21% (95%CI: 36.36, 42.06) in Comoros. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Of the individual-level factors, home delivery, multiple birth, cesarean delivery, non-exposure to media, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and being a small-sized baby were associated with higher odds of prelacteal feeding practice. Among the community-level factors, rural residence and higher community-level of media exposure were associated with lower odds of prelacteal feeding practice.ConclusionIn this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding is high. Both individual and community level variables were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, individual and community-level interventions that encourage mothers to deliver in the health facility and promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding are needed to reduce prelacteal feeding practices in east Africa. Moreover, media campaigns regarding this harmful traditional practice could be strengthened.