Determinants of Prelacteal Feeding Practices in Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study Based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data.

INTRODUCTION Prelacteal feeding is feeding a newborn ritual foods - solids or fluids - before the baby commence breastfeeding in the first three days of its life. It affects exclusive breastfeeding, exposes infants to infections, and contributes to infant mortality. This study aimed to identify determinants of prelacteal feeding in Ethiopia. METHODS This study used data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 649 cases and 2596 controls were included in the analysis. Cases were from women who has given prelacteal foods; and controls were from women whom, otherwise, never gave prelacteal foods. Socio-demographics and obstetric characteristics were examined to assess for associations with prelacteal feeding. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to check for significant associations. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14. A p-value <0.05 in multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS Primi parous mothers had 1.24 times (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.51) higher odds of prelacteal feeding; mothers who gave birth at home had 1.49 times (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11-2.00) higher odds; and mothers who gave birth by cesarean section had 2.09 times (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.27- 3.44) higher odds compared to their counterparts. In another note, small sized children at birth had 27% (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.93) less likely to receive prelacteal feedings. The administrative region of the mothers was also significantly associated with prelacteal feeding. CONCLUSION Parity, small size at birth, home delivery, caesarean delivery and administrative region were significantly associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Mothers are encouraged to give birth in the health facilities, and promotion and early exclusive breastfeeding practices in post-operative and postpartum times are greatly encouraged.