Impact of maternal factors and socio-demographic determinants on early initiation of breastfeeding practices in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: The SDG-3 goal suggests to reduce the neonatal mortality to below 12 per 1000 live births. New-born who are breastfed after 1 hour of birth are at 33% greater risk of neonatal mortality. To ascertain early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) knowledge, practices and its underlying determinants, a cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers of children below 3 years of age.Methods: Sample of 400 mothers of children under 3 years of age was collected. The data was analysed using statistical software SPSS version 23.0. All characteristics were summarized descriptively. Chi-square (χ2) test was performed to study the association between two categorical variables. Multivariable analysis was done using logistic regression model to determine the association of EIBF with socio-demographic and maternal factors. Results: 75.8% mothers initiated early breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth whereas only 34.3% mothers had knowledge on early initiation of breastfeeding. 95% mothers fed colostrum to the new-born. Mothers with 25 years of age or more (AOR 1, 95% CI 0.52, 1.57; p value <0.73) were less likely to breastfeed new-born within 1 hour of birth as compared to the mothers who were <25 years of age.Conclusions: Timely initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth is a critical intervention to avert a considerable number of neonatal deaths to achieve SDG-3 goal, which to reduce neonatal mortality rate <12 per 1000 livebirths. after delivery could sustain the breastfeeding practice for lo. Intensifying home visits in 3rd trimester to disseminate messages on EIBF and colostrum feeding may improve the coverage of EIBF.