ASSESSMENT OF TIMELY INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS WHO HAVE INFANTS LESS THAN SIX MONTHS OF AGE IN GUNCHIRE TOWN, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Timely initiation of breastfeeding is defined as the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after childbirth. Despite breastfeeding has benefit both mothers and infants, globally breastfeeding within one hour of life in the world was less than half. In least developed countries (53%) Eastern and southern Africa (60%), Ethiopia (73%) of infant breastfed within one hour. The aim of this study was to assess timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers who have infant less than six months of age in Gunchire Town, SNNPR Ethiopia. Methods: The study was conducted from May 6 to 20, 2019 by using face to face interview of structured questionnaire. Community based cross-sectional study was employed on 333 women. The study participants were selected by Simple random sampling techniques. The data was coded, entered, edited, cleaned and analyzed by SPSS with windows version 21.0. Binary and multivariable logistic regression statistical model was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI will be computed to see the strength of association. Results: In this study the magnitude of timely initiation of breastfeeding was 80.5%. Presence of ANC follow up on current baby (AOR 6.76, 95% CI 2.12, 21.68), baby placed on abdomen of mothers immediately after birth (AOR 3.93, 95% CI 1.49, 10.36), vaginal delivery (AOR 4.46,95% CI 1.15, 18.82), institutional delivery and good knowledge of breastfeeding (AOR 4.23, 95% CI 1.24, 14.46) were significantly associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding.Conclusion: More than third quarter of the respondent mothers timely initiated breastfeeding. Presence of ANC follow up on current baby, baby placed on abdomen of mothers immediately after birth, vaginal delivery, institutional delivery and knowledge of mothers about breastfeeding were significantly associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. Recommendation: We would like to recommend Enamore woreda health office to provide information to give further education about breastfeeding. To Gunchire primary Hospital staffs work at MCH clinic recommend them to provide appropriate services and stimulate the mothers to initiate breastfeeding, skin to skin contact is enhanced within first hour of birth. Further study on timely initiation of breastfeeding at institution level is suggested.