Predictors of early initiation of breastfeeding among Zimbabwean women: secondary analysis of ZDHS 2015

Abstract

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery. Early initiation is beneficial for both mother and baby. Previous Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) have shown reduction in early initiation of breast feeding from 68% (2005/06) to 58% (2015). This study sought to investigate factors associated with early initiation of breast feeding among women aged 15–49 years in Zimbabwe.MethodologySecondary analysis of ZDHS 2015 data was done to investigate the association between early initiation of breast feeding and maternal, provider and neonatal factors using multivariate logistic regression (n = 2192).ResultsThe majority of the study sample (78%) reported having practised early initiation of breastfeeding during their most recent delivery (preceding 24 months).Children who were put on skin to skin contact (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.13–2.02) and those delivered by skilled attendants (AOR = 4.36, 95% CI 1.07–17.77) had greater odds of early initiation compared to those who were not. Other factors associated with early initiation were multiparity (AOR 1.82 95% CI 1.33–2.49) and rural residence (AOR 2.10 95% 1.12–3.93). However, having an abnormal birth weight, i.e. low birth weight (AOR 0.60 95% CI 0.36–0.99) and macrosomia (AOR = 0.42, CI 0.22–0.79) as well as delivery by caesarean section (AOR 0.1195% CI 0.06–0.19) were associated with reduced odds of early initiation.ConclusionEarly initiation of breast feeding in Zimbabwe is mainly associated with residing in the rural areas and multiparity. The 78% rate of early initiation of breastfeeding was contrary to the 58% reported in the ZDHS findings. Interventions targeting an improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding must aim at women who deliver by caesarean section, women with babies of abnormal birth weight, primi-parous women and women residing in rural areas.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Peru: analysis of the 2018 Demographic and Family Health Survey

“…Several studies have reported that some socio-demographic characteristics, such as place of residence, maternal education level, socioeconomic status, and place of birth, are associated with EIBF [13,14]. Cultural beliefs and traditional feeding practices have also been described as important barriers to EIBF [15].…”

Identification of factors determining the initiation of breastfeeding in postnatal women in a tertiary care centre: an observational study

“…It can be established in the present study that even in institutional deliveries there is gross lack of knowledge regarding the importance of early initiation of breast feeding which is supported in multiple studies. 12,13,16 Lack of antenatal counseling by a health personnel was found to be significantly associated with delay in initiation of breast feeding in present study.…”

“…Despite the recommendations by infant and young child feeding, Government of India and the WHO, delayed initiation of breast feeding was quite high in the study which is comparable to studies in LMICs. [11][12][13][14] The reason for which was found to be that the colostrum was thought to be unworthy of giving to the baby Figure 5. According to a study conducted in western Nepal, a significant number of mothers gave colostrum as the first meal to 86.2% babies, while the remaining 14% babies were given a fluid other than breast milk as their first feed.…”

“…15 Various family rituals and myths were found to be responsible as in our study. [11][12][13][14] Another reason for the delay was found to be unpopularity of the early skin to skin contact of mother with newborn as recommended by WHO due to separation of the mother-baby pair for routine post-delivery procedures.…”

“…This was found in almost all the studies done in LMICs. [11][12][13] Various myths and family rituals are of great concern and should be discouraged as they cause lactation failure resulting in high neonatal morbidity and mortality ( Figure 5).…”