Colostrum Avoidance Practices and Its Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged Less Than 12 Months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia, 2020. A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Even though colostrum discarding hurts child health, little is known about the extent of the problem and its contributing factors in Southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of colostrum avoidance practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town, South Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinka Town from March 1 to 30, 2020. A total of 420 mothers having children less than 12 months of age were selected by systematic sampling technique. The data were collected by using pretested interviewer-administered and semi-structured questionnaires. The data was entered using EPI DATA 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at a p-value < 0.05 was estimated to identify statistically significant variables with colostrum avoidance practices. Results The prevalence of colostrum avoidance practice was 9.8% [95% CI: (6.9–12.5)]. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding [AOR = 9.08(95% CI 4.16–19.83)], lack of breastfeeding counseling [AOR = 2.33(95% CI 1.11–4.87)], home delivery of index child [AOR = 2.48 (95% CI 1.16–5.27)] and poor knowledge on breastfeeding [AOR = 4.55(95% CI 1.95–10.63)] were factors associated with colostrum avoidance practices. Conclusion Colostrum avoidance practice among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town was high. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding, lack of breastfeeding counseling, home delivery, and knowledge of breastfeeding practice were factors associated with colostrum avoidance practice.

Colostrum avoidance and associated factors among mothers of less than 6-month-old children in Dilla town, Southern Ethiopia

“…One of the 15 selected preventive survival measures for children involves promoting optimal feeding practices for infants and young children ( 1 , 2 ). Breastfeeding (BF), or yetut wetet , is considered a proven method for ensuring the survival of toddlers, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth ( 3 ).…”

“…The initial years of a toddler's life are crucial for their growth and overall development ( 1 , 2 ). Breastfeeding is considered a fundamental entitlement for children and plays a critical role in their survival, preventing childhood illnesses and providing optimal nutrition for the newborn ( 4 , 5 ).…”

“…It has significant positive impacts on the immune system, cognitive development, economic factors, and environmental aspects. In addition, breastfeeding substantially reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other related chronic non-communicable diseases in children ( 2 ). Moreover, breastfeeding has been demonstrated to aid women in weight loss and reduce their likelihood of experiencing hemorrhaging, postpartum depression, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer ( 5 ).…”

“…In spite of these benefits, in some settings, colostrum is seen as being heavy, thick, filthy, toxic, and harmful to children's health; as a result, in some communities, a portion of colostrum is rejected ( 9 ). Colostrum avoidance is considered to occur at some point during the first 5 days following childbirth ( 2 ). Colostrum avoidance includes not initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, pumping and throwing away colostrum, and/or wet nursing ( 10 ).…”

“…Despite efforts being made by the authorities concerned, neonatal mortality rates in Ethiopia remain high, with little change noted between 2016 (29/1,000 live births) and 2019 (30/1,000 live births) ( 18 ). Factors contributing to colostrum avoidance include home deliveries, lack of antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and limited knowledge of breastfeeding best practices ( 2 ). In addition, 27% of infants receive prelacteal feeds within the first 3 days, especially in rural areas.…”