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

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality during the neonatal period especially in the first week of life. The objectives of this study were to determine early breastfeeding initiation (EBFI) and the incidence of neonatal sepsis in in the first week of life in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe.Methods: After obtaining approval from the ethical institutional review board and Medical research council of Zimbabwe, a total of 200 healthy term neonates were recruited into a prospective cohort study within 24 hours of birth after the mothers had given an informed consent. Mother and baby pair was followed up at day 3 and day 7 to assess presence of infection using clinical checklist and physical examination.Results: The Pearson correlation was significant at 0.01 level (2 tailed) at day 3 and day 7. The findings revealed a significant association between EBFI and neonatal sepsis in the first week of life.Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of death during the neonatal period especially in the first week of life. Findings of the study revealed a significant Pearson correlation at 0.01 levels (2 tailed) at day 3 and day 7. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding increases the risk of neonatal sepsis and about 33 % neonatal deaths can be averted if breastfeeding is initiated within an hour of birth.

<p>Neonatal sepsis and associated factors among newborns in hospitals of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia</p>

“…This finding was in line with study done in Zimbabwe, meta-analysis done by reviewing different literatures, and studies conducted in different parts of the world. [27][28][29][30] The reason for this is due to the fact that KMC increases mother to baby bonding, breastfeeding, and thermal protection better than conventional care and gives less opportunity for infections. In addition, immediate and exclusive breastfeeding serves as the starting point for a continuum of care for mother and newborn who can have long-lasting effects on health and development.…”

Assessment of knowledge and quality of essential newborn care practices in La Dade Kotopon Municipality, Ghana

“…Thereafter, complementary feeds should be given to meet evolving nutritional needs while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond [13]. Late initiation of breastfeeding is associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality of 33%, which can be prevented by early and exclusive breastfeeding [15,16].…”

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey data

“…Early initiation of breastfeeding has several health benefits such as increased ability of the immune system to resist infections, reduction in the risk of diarrhea, and increased survival rate of children [ 4 ]. According to Mugadza, Zvinavashe, Gumbo and Pedersen [ 5 ], early initiation of breastfeeding reduces neonatal mortality by 33%. On the other hand, Berkat and Sutan [ 6 ] found that late initiation of breastfeeding leads to high neonatal morbidity and mortality.…”