Formula feeding and associated factors among mothers with infants 0–6 months old in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Adequate nutrition during infancy is essential for children's normal development and well-being. However, the duration of breastfeeding has been declining and is being replaced by formula feeding, particularly in the urban communities of developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess formula feeding and its associated factors, as relatively little information is available regarding this problem in Ethiopia, particularly in Mettu Town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mettu Town from May 17 to July 1, 2021, among 366 mothers with infants 0-6 months old. A simple random sampling technique was used in this study.Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, and variables with a p-value <0.05 in the final model were declared statistically significant with formula feeding found to be 28.4% [95%

Determinants of infant formula feeding in Debre Berhan city: A community-based cross-sectional study

“…Our study also demonstrated that mothers who had not initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery were approximately five times more likely to practice infant formula feeding than were those who had initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. This result is in agreement with the results of studies conducted in Addis Ababa city, Mettu town, and Bahir Dar city [39,41,42]. A possible justification might be that early initiation of breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between the mother and her baby, and such a strong relationship can lay the groundwork for mothers to spend more time with their babies and breastfeed them promptly.…”

“…The percentage of infant formula-fed infants in Debre Berhan city was higher than that in Offa town (7.8%), Mettu town (28.4%), and Bahir Dar city (25%) [39,40,42]. In contrast, it was lower than the level found in Dire Dawa city (42.6%), Addis Ababa city (46.2%), and the Jimma Zone (47.2%) [41,44,45].…”

“…Before further analysis, the outcome variable was categorized as ‘1’ representing infant formula feeding and ‘2’ representing exclusive breastfeeding, and providing infant formula as a supplement to or substitute for breast milk within the past 24 hours was used as an indicator of infant formula feeding [39]. Furthermore, to measure mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding, a set of seven questions was posed.…”

“…The data were collected using a meticulously designed semi-structured questionnaire, which was designed based on insights gained during the review of prior studies with objectives akin to the current study [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]. The questionnaire was comprehensive and included queries related to sociodemographic attributes, obstetric history, infant feeding practices, and maternal knowledge of breastfeeding.…”

“…In addition to the abovementioned predictor, not being aware of the risks of infant formula feeding increased the odds of infant formula feeding by more than sevenfold. Similarly, a study in Mettu Town showed that the odds of infant formula feeding were two and a half times greater among mothers who lacked sufficient knowledge about infant formula than among those who had sufficient knowledge about infant formula [39]. These findings might be explained by the already established scientific fact that possessing sufficient knowledge about the risks and benefits of using a certain product can shape one's attitude toward it as well as the decision to utilize the product.…”