Determinants of breastfeeding practices: An analysis of the Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006–2007

Abstract

Identification of factors that predict a woman's infant feeding choice is important for breastfeeding promotion programmes. We analysed a subsample of children under 2 years of age from the most recent Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) to assess breastfeeding practices and factors associated with suboptimal practices. SLDHS 2006-2007 used a stratified two-stage cluster sample of ever-married women aged 15-49 years. Breastfeeding indicators were estimated for the last-born children (n = 2735). Selected indicators were examined against independent variables through cross-tabulations and multivariate analyses. Of the sample, 83.3% initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. Continuation rates declined from 92.6% in first year to 83.5% in second year. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate under 6 months of age was 75.8%, with median duration being 4.8 months. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding was associated with low birthweight [odds ratio (OR) = 2.24] and caesarean delivery (OR = 3.30), but less likely among female infants (OR = 0.75), mothers from 'estate' sector (OR = 0.61) or richer wealth quintile (OR = 0.60). Non-EBF was associated with children from urban areas (OR = 1.72) and estate sector (OR = 4.48) and absence of post-natal visits by a public health midwife (OR = 1.89). A child was at risk for not currently breastfeeding if born in a private hospital (OR = 3.73), delivered by caesarean section (OR = 1.46) or lived in urban areas (OR = 2.80) or estate sector (OR = 3.23). Those living in estates (OR = 11.4) and not receiving post-natal home visits (OR = 2.62) were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding by 1 year. Breastfeeding indicators in Sri Lanka were higher compared with many countries and determined by socio-economic and health care system factors.

Early breastfeeding initiation and incidence of neonatal sepsis in Chipinge District Zimbabwe

“…11 Neonatal morbidity due to sepsis is attributed to pathogens like viruses, Escherichia coli, Shigella, fungal infections leading to such infections like pneumonia, meningitis, diarrhoea and neonatal sepsis. 10 The findings of the study are consistent with results of a multi-centre study that was conducted in Ghana, Nepal, India and Tanzania which showed a significant association between EBFI and risk of neonatal mortality. In the same study the risk of neonatal deaths was 85% for newborn babies that delayed to initiate breastfeeding beyond 24 hours.…”

“…9 Similar findings od delayed breastfeeding initiation were recorded in North Central Province of Sri-Lanka, Pakistan, India with initiation rates ranging from 29 to 45%. 10 Findings of the study revealed a significant Pearson Correlation between EBFI and neonatal sepsis at 0.01 levels (2 tailed) at day 3 and day 7. The strong association portrayed in this study between EBFI and neonatal sepsis could be an indicator to the increasing neonatal mortality rate of 29/ 1000 live births with decreased breast feeding initiation rate of 52% in Chipinge district.…”

Fatores ligados aos serviços de saúde determinam o aleitamento materno na primeira hora de vida no Distrito Federal, Brasil, 2011

“…Systematic literature review, conducted by Esteves et al 8 indicated that the prevalence of breastfeeding within one hour of birth ranged from 11.4% in one province in Saudi Arabia 9 to 83.3% in Sri Lanka 10 . Data from the 2 nd Research on the Prevalence of Breastfeeding in Brazilian State Capitals and in the Federal District (DF) showed that 67.7% of children breastfed in the first hour of life in the Brazilian cities in 2008 11 .…”

Rendahnya Praktik Menyusui pada Ibu Post Sectio Caesarea dan Dukungan Tenaga Kesehatan di Rumah Sakit

“…4,5 Hal ini dapat disebabkan beberapa hal misalnya, kondisi post sectio caesarea membuat ibu merasa nyeri dan menjadi sulit untuk menyusui bayinya, keterlambatan untuk melakukan inisiasi menyusui dini dapat menurunkan sekresi prolaktin. 6,7 Tinjauan sistematis yang melibatkan 33 negara mendapatkan hasil bahwa prevalensi menyusui dini lebih rendah pada ibu post sectio caesarea dibandingkan dengan yang melahirkan pervaginam.…”