Magnitude and determinants of breastfeeding initiation within one hour among reproductive women in

Birhan et al. BMC Public Health (2022) 22:1062

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13114-y

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Magnitude and determinants

of breastfeeding initiation within one hour

among reproductive women in Sub-Saharan

Africa; evidence from demographic and health

survey data: a multilevel study

Tilahun Yemanu Birhan1*, Muluneh Alene2

, Wullo Sisay Seretew1 and Asefa Adimasu Taddese1

Abstract

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding is one of the most simple and essential intervention for child develop￾ment and survival in the world. World Health Organization recommended to begin breast milk with one hour after

delivery. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of early initiation of breastfeeding in Sub-Saha￾ran Africa using DHS data set.

Methods: This study was carried out within 32 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2010–2020, a pooled study

of early initiation of breastfeeding was performed. For assessing model ftness and contrast, intra-class correlation

coefcient, median odds ratio, proportional change in variance, and deviance were used. In order to identify pos￾sible covariates associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in the study area, the multilevel multivariable logistic

regression model was adapted. Adjusted Odds Ratio was used with 95% confdence interval to declare major breast￾feeding factors.

Result: The pooled prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding in Sub-Saharan Africa countries was 57% (95% CI;

56%—61%), the highest prevalence rate of early initiation of breastfeeding was found in Malawi while the lowest

prevalence was found in Congo Brazzaville (24%). In multilevel multivariable logistic regression model; wealth index

(AOR=1.20; 95% CI 1.16 – 1.26), place of delivery (AOR=1.97; 95% CI 1.89 – 2.05), skin-to-skin contact (AOR=1.51;

95% CI 1.47 – 1.57), mode of delivery (AOR=0.27; 95% CI 0.25 – 0.29), media exposure (AOR=1.36; 95% CI 1.31 – 1.41)

were signifcantly correlated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusion: The magnitude of early initiation of breastfeeding rate was low in Sub-Saharan Africa. Covariates signif￾cantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding was wealth index, place of delivery, mode of delivery, women

educational status, and media exposure. Structural improvements are required for women with caesarean births to

achieve optimal breastfeeding practice in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Early initiation of breastfeeding, Optimal breastfeeding, Multilevel, And Sub-Saharan Africa

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Open Access

*Correspondence: yemanu.tilahun@gmail.com

1

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health,

College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar,

Ethiopia

Full list of author information is available at the end of the article