Prelacteal Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic in Harari Region Public Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Breast\rfeeding will have the intended outcome when it is initiated timely and exclusive\rfor the first six months. Introducing prelacteal feeding and inadequate amount\rof breast milk contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year\rin developing countries. The purpose of this study was to assess prelacteal\rfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers attending immunization\rclinic in Harari region government health institutions. Methods: An institutional\rbased cross-sectional study design was conducted among 634 mothers and infants\rdyads attending ten public health facilities. Systematic random sampling method\rwas used to select the study participants. An exit interview using pretested\rstructured questionnaire was conducted about their experience on prelacteal\rfeeding and related experience. Logistic regressions with OR and 95% confidence\rinterval were computed. Result: Two hundred seventy eight (45.4%) of mothers\rgave prelacteal liquids for their infants. The common pre-lacteal food includes\rsugar or glucose water 121 (43.5%) followed by milk other than breast milk 70 (25.1%).\rHome delivery, failure to attend ANC, late breastfeeding initiation and\rinfluence by friends were significantly associated with prelacteal feeding. Conclusion:\rThe prevalence of prelacteal feeding was relatively high in the area. Failure\rto attend ANC, giving birth at home, late initiation of breast feeding and\rinfluence of friends and relatives to give prelacteal feeds for their new born\rinfants were found to be positively associated with prelacteal feeding.