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Background: Optimal breastfeeding practices as recommended by WHO includes initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour after birth, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of the baby for 6 months and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years. Timely initiation and EBF have been estimated could avert 800,000 child deaths globally every year. However the prevalence of EBF in poor resource countries has been shown to be low, ranging between 20% and 50%. In Tanzania 49% of children are breastfed within 1 hour after birth, and only 50% are exclusively breastfed, way below recommended prevalence of EBF of 90% according to the WHO.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with breastfeeding initiation within one hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding in Kishapu district, Shinyanga region.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February, 2016 at Kishapu district, among women aged 18-49 years in the selected households. Interviewing using questionnaires was used for data collection. Information on breastfeeding initation, EBF and continuation was obtained only from women with children aged less than 24 months. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 405 women of reproductive age 18-49 years were enrolled in the study. The unit of analysis was 137 (34%) women with children below 24 months and their median age was 31(range 18-47) years while the median age of children was 13 (IQR 5-17) months. The prevalence of breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour after delivery of the last pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding were 59.1% and 48.9% respectively. Women who were delivered by skilled birth attendants during their last pregnancies and gave colostrum their infants, were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour after delivery and remain breastfeeding exclusively. Women who had four or more antenatal visits (OR: 2; 95% CI: 1.04-4.18) exclusively breastfed more than others.
Conclusion: Despite the higher ANC attendance at least once (99%) by women in Kishapu district, Shinyanga, the overall prevalence of breast feeding initiation within 1 hour after delivery and EBF were lower (59.1% and 48.9% respectively) compared to the national target and the coverage required for all infants to benefit from the advantages of timely breastfeeding initiation and EBF practice. Awareness and demand creation activities are required in this setting to
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encourage women to attend frequently for ANC care and delivery by skilled attendant since these factors improved optimal breastfeeding practices. |
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