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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Trends and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Namibia: analysis of the Demographic and Health Surveys 2000–2013

Authors: M. N. Ndirangu, S. M. Gatimu, H. M. Mwinyi, D. C. Kibiwott

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) lowers the risk for all-cause mortality in babies, including those with low birth weight. However, rates of neonatal mortality and delayed initiation of breastfeeding remain high in most low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the trends and factors associated with EIBF in Namibia from 2000 to 2013.

Methods

An analysis of EIBF trends was conducted using data from three Namibia Demographic Health Surveys. The present sample included singleton children younger than 2-years from 2000 (n = 1655), 2006–2007 (n = 2152) and 2013 (n = 2062) surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse respondents’ demographic, socioeconomic and obstetric characteristics. Factors associated with EIBF were assessed using univariate analysis and further evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

EIBF significantly decreased from 82.5% (confidence interval [CI]: 79.5–85.0) in 2000 to 74.9% (72.5–77.2) in 2013. Factors associated with EIBF in 2000 were urban residence (adjusted odds ratio 0.58, 95% CI: 0.36–0.93), poorer household wealth index (1.82, 1.05–3.17), lack of antenatal care (0.14, 0.03–0.81), small birth size (0.38, 0.24–0.63) and large birth size (0.51, 0.37–0.79). In 2013, factors associated with EIBF were maternal age of 15–19 years (2.28, 1.22–4.24), vaginal delivery (2.74, 1.90–3.93), married mothers (1.57, 1.16–2.14), delivery assistance from health professionals (3.67, 1.23–10.9) and birth order of fourth or above (1.52, 1.03–2.26).

Conclusions

Namibia has experienced a declining trend in EIBF rates from 2000 to 2013. Factors associated with EIBF differed between 2000 and 2013. The present findings highlight the importance of continued commitment to addressing neonatal health challenges and strengthening implementation of interventions to increase EIBF in Namibia.
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Metadata
Title
Trends and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Namibia: analysis of the Demographic and Health Surveys 2000–2013
Authors
M. N. Ndirangu
S. M. Gatimu
H. M. Mwinyi
D. C. Kibiwott
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1811-4

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