Prevalence of Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding And Associated Factors in First Time Mothers in Bahirdar,Amhara Regional State , North West,Ethiopia, 2016.
Creators: name: Ayalew, Tilkisew
Publisher: name: National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia
Year: 2016

description: Introduction: Breastfeeding is recommended as proper infant and young child feeding practice that should be initiated within the first hour after birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding protects newborns from early neonatal mortality. Timely initiation of breastfeeding also known as early initiation of breastfeeding means babies are put on breast within one hour following delivery and ensuring that the infant receives the colostrums or ― first milk‖. It is one important intervention preventing childhood morbidities and mortalities. Globally, not more than 35% of infants are initiated with breastfeeding. In developing countries 39% of infants are initiated with breastfeeding early. In Ethiopia only 52% of the mothers practiced early initiation of breastfeeding. Prevalence of TIBF in Amhara Regional State in which Bahir Dar is the capital city is the lowest (38%) one compared to other regions of Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study to assess timely initiation of breastfeeding practices and associated factors among first time mothers who have infants less than six months of age in Bahir Dar city, Amhara Regional State, North West Ethiopia. Method: Community based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from March20, 2016 to April, 2016. Systematic random sampling technique was applied. A total of 400 mothers who have infant less than six month old were included in this study. The data was collected from all 9 sub cities using interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding practice. Result: prevalence of timely initiation of breast feeding was 65%. On multivariate logistic regression, gender of infant being male, got breastfeeding counseling during ANC, place of delivery, mode delivery and supported by religious father of mothers were found to be associated with TIBF. Male babies were 2 times benefited than female babies [AOR 2.148(1.232, 3.745)] and mothers who got breastfeeding counseling during were also 2 times more initiate breastfeeding [AOR 2.163(1.187, 3.942) ] than those who didn't get. On the other hand mothers who gave birth at health institution were 8.6 times more to practice timely initiation of breastfeeding [AOR 8.639(2.089, 5.720)] than those of gave birth at home. Similarly mothers who were delivered by vaginal delivery were 4 times more practice timely initiation of breastfeeding [AOR 4.094(1.414, 8.728] than those who were delivered by C/s. Finally mothers who got religious father support were almost 2 times more practice timely initiation of breastfeeding[AOR 1.962(1.113, 3.458)] than those who were not supported. Conclusion and recommendations: prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding in the study area was 65%. Gender of infant, breastfeeding counseling during ANC, Birth place, mode of delivery and religious father support were independent predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding practice. Strengthening timely initiation of breastfeeding and provision of antenatal care service to mothers specially those delivered by C/S is recommended. In addition, educating mothers both at community and institutional levels as well as strengthening health professionals' knowledge and skills on breastfeeding counseling through training could be the most important actions to be undertaken by concerned stakeholders. Keywords: Timely initiation Breastfeeding, First time mother.