Determinants and prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding: Does the place of delivery matter? A comparative cross-sectional study based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data

Abstract

Introduction Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is introducing a newborn to breast milk within the first hour from birth. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding among births at home and in the health facilities, and the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding. Methods This study used data from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Descriptive and analytic methods were employed to compare the status of EIBF among home and health facilities. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to check for significant associations. A p<0.05 in multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to declare statistical significance. Results The overall prevalence of EIBF is not affected by the place of delivery. Mothers who gave birth in the health facilities (AOR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.06–1.61), children who received prelacteal feedings (AOR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.20–0.3), second/third birth orders (AOR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.17–1.88) and fourth and above birth orders (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.25–2.24), large child size at birth (AOR=13.4; 95% CI: 1.09– 1.65), and average birth size (AOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.14–1.65) and the administrative regions of the respondents, were significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusions The proportion of EIBF among births at home and in the health facilities were the same. Statistically, children who were born in the health facilities were more likely to receive breast milk earlier. Not giving prelacteal feedings, birth orders two or more, average and large birth sizes, and respondents living in the administrative regions, were also associated with early initiation of breastfeeding.

Keywords

• children
• infant
• breastfeeding
• early initiation
• place of birth