INFANT BREAST FEEDING PRACTICE AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING AREKIT HEALTH CENTER,GURAGE ZONE ,SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA ,2023:A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Breast feeding has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and infant. However, infant feeding practices among mothers in the setting is known to be varied because of different reason. Therefore, the aim of this study was determine the infant breast feeding practices among mother attending Arekit Health Center, gurage zone , SNNP,Ethiopia. Objective: To assess infant breast feeding practices of mothers attending Arekit Health Center, Gurage zone, SNNPR Ethiopia,2023Result ; The prevalence of effective breast feeding is 83.2% among mother visiting Arekit health center.87.85% of mothers who have under 6 months infants exclusively feed their infants and about 66.7% of the mothers started complementary feeding after 6months.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at Arekit health center ,GurageZone, SNNP Ethiopia from August-1 up to August 16,2023 G.C . 285 number of mother having children less than one year of age visited to Arekit health center were selected by systematic sampling technique After the data was checked for completeness it was coded and entered into EPI info version 7.1.2.0 and exported to Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0 Software for Analysis. Descriptive statistics was used like prevalence mean and standard deviation was computed. Finally, the analyzed data was organized and presented using tables, graphs, charts and narrative as per necessary. Conclusion & Recommendation: The over all proportion of breast feeding is good in this area, but the effective breast feeding practice is low .Hence, there is a need for strengthening the promotion of effective breast feeding practice by health workers during postnatal care and using mass media giving emphasis for com elementary feeding practice especially for mothers with lower educational status