Abstract:
Studies have shown that sub-optimal breastfeeding is major contributor to infant and young
child mortality in Ethiopia. To address this problem, infant and young child feeding guideline
was developed in 2004 and interventions have been going on based on the guidelines. There
is no study that assessed whether the infant and child feeding practices are according the
guideline or not. This study was carried out to assess sub-optimal breastfeeding practices and
associated factors among infants from birth to six months in rural communities of Jimma
Arjo Woreda in the Southwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out from December to January 2009. Quantitative data
were collected from a sample of 382 respondents supplemented by qualitative data generated
using in-depth interviews of 15 index mothers. Multivariable logistic regression model was
used to identify predictors of timely initiation of breast feeding and non-exclusive breast
feeding among mother-infant pairs.
