Prelacteal Feeding Practices and Its Associated Factors among Mother of Children Less Than 2 Years of Age in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Prelacteal feeding is defined as administration of any substances other than breast milk to newborn babies during the first 3 days after birth. Despite its negative health outcomes, it is commonly practiced in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 2 years of age in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 465 mothers having children aged less than 2 years in Kersa district. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Variables with a P-value