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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in South Sudan

Authors: Justin Bruno Tongun, Mohammed Boy Sebit, David Mukunya, Grace Ndeezi, Victoria Nankabirwa, Thorkild Tylleskar, James K. Tumwine

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The global breastfeeding recommendation states that all infants should be put to the breast within one hour of birth, which is defined as timely initiation or early initiation of breastfeeding. Early initiation of breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk in infant illness and death. Understanding the determinants of delay in initiation of breastfeeding might spur health staff and policy makers to foster timely breastfeeding. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of delay in initiation of breastfeeding among mothers in Juba Teaching Hospital.

Methods

The present study enrolled 806 mother-infant pairs within 24 hrs of birth in Juba Teaching Hospital in 2017. The mothers were interviewed about the time of initiation of breastfeeding, sociodemographic and birth characteristics. The independent variables associated with delay in initiation of breastfeeding were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the current study, 52% (418/806) of the mothers initiated breastfeeding later than one hour after birth. Birth by Caesarean section (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 41; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 12.21, 138), discarding of colostrum (AOR 9.89; 95% CI 4.14, 23.62), unmarried mothers (AOR 3.76; 95% CI 1.53, 9.24), exposure to infant formula advertisement (AOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.09, 3.02) and no house ownership (AOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.11, 2.09) were independent factors associated with delay in initiation of breastfeeding.

Conclusion

We found that more than half of the mothers delayed the initiation of breastfeeding. Therefore, we recommend training on best breastfeeding practices and counselling skills for health staff in Juba Teaching Hospital. Policy dialogue, with the relevant ministries and departments on the promotion and protection of early initiation of breastfeeding is crucial.

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Title: Factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in South Sudan
Authors: Justin Bruno Tongun
Mohammed Boy Sebit
David Mukunya
Grace Ndeezi
Victoria Nankabirwa
Thorkild Tylleskar
James K. Tumwine
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-018-0170-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in South Sudan

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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