Determinants of early breastfeeding initiation among women in Nigeria using the 2021 multiple indicator cluster survey (MICS).

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding initiation is important in reducing child mortality. It also serves as a predictor for prolonged breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation recommends that early initiation should be within the first hour of birth. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the early initiation of breastfeeding.

Methods: Data was obtained from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Also, chi-square test for trend was run to show the linear relationship between the ordinal variables and the dependent variables.

Results: 51.2% of male children were breastfed earlier than the female children. Regarding place of delivery, mums who gave birth at home (52.9%) initiated breastfeeding earlier than mums who gave birth in a facility. According to the binary logistic regression, mums who live in rural areas were more likely to initiate breastfeeding on time (OR+1.326, 95% CI 1.101-1.593). The trend test revealed a linear relationship between wealth index quintile, education, and breastfeeding within 24hrs. Other factors related to early EIBF includes the size of the baby, being a traditionalist and wealthier household index. Mothers in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones had less likelihood of EIBF when compared to other geopolitical zones.

Conclusion: Breastfeeding initiation is quite low in many regions of Nigeria. Several characteristics were shown to be strongly linked with breastfeeding. Therefore, policies that encourage Early Initiation of Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding should be implemented.