Department of Public Health

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Browsing Department of Public Health by Author "Abdi Nure"

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    Colostrum Feeding Practices and Contributing Factors among Mothers with Infants and Young Children Under 24 Months in
    (2025-05-01) Abdi Nure
    ABSTRACT Background: Globally, fewer than half of newborns were breastfed within the first hour of birth, contributing to thousands of preventable infant deaths each year due to delayed colostrum intake. Colostrum, the initial milk produced after delivery, contains essential nutrients and antibodies that support neonatal immunity and reduce early health risks. Despite its benefits, colostrum avoidance remained common in settings such as Asasa Town, Ethiopia. Objective: The study aimed to assess colostrum feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of infants and young children less than 24 months living in Asasa Town, Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 25 to October 30, 2025, involving 381 systematically selected mothers of infants and children under 24 months. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and entered into Epi-Data 4.7 before analysis in SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and feeding practices. Bivariate logistic regression was performed to identify candidate variables for multivariable analysis (p < 0.25). Multivariable logistic regression was then used to determine independent predictors of colostrum feeding practice. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 381 mothers participated, yielding a response rate of 97.4%. In this study, the overall prevalence of colostrum feeding practice was 61.4% (CI: 95% 56.5% to 66.3%). Additionally, 73.2% of mothers demonstrated good knowledge of colostrum, and 67.5% had a favorable attitude toward colostrum feeding. Factors significantly associated with colostrum feeding practice were postpartum counseling on colostrum feeding (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.02), mode of delivery (AOR=6.19, 95% CI: 2.92–13.11), and good maternal knowledge (AOR=5.26, 95% CI: 2.97–9.32). Conclusion: The prevalence of colostrum feeding practice in Asasa Town was lower than the national and global recommendations. Postpartum counseling, vaginal delivery, and good maternal knowledge were key determinants of optimal colostrum feeding. Strengthening breastfeeding counseling during antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care; improving maternal health education; and promoting institutional delivery are essential to improve early colostrum feeding practices in the community. Keywords: Colostrum, Breastfeeding, Early initiation, Knowledge, Oromia, Ethiopia