Prelacteal Feeding and Associated Factors among Mothers of Infants Aged 6 to 12 Months in Chitwan District, Nepal: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background A Prelacteal feed is any food except mothers’ milk provided to a newborn before breastfeeding is established. Prelacteal feeding is a major barrier to exclusive breastfeeding and is associated with newborn infection. It is a prevalent practice in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate prelacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of infants aged 6 to 12 months in Chitwan district, Nepal. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. 297 mothers of infants aged 6 to 12 months were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, univariate and binomial logistic regression analysis were done to identify the factors associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Variable with a p-value <0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors. Result The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 40.1% (95% CI: 34.5%-45.7%). Formula milk (n=109), animal milk (n=13), Plain water (n=6) were some of the types of prelacteal feed reported. Respondents in the 25-29 years age group were about 58.2% less likely to practice prelacteal feeding (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.415, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.209-0.837) as compared to the respondents belonging to 35 years or more age group. Economic status was another factor associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Those mothers with poorer economic status were about 57.9 % (AOR= 0.421, CI: 0.179-0.992) less likely to practice prelacteal feeding than the mothers belonging to the richest. Similarly, mothers having poor knowledge on prelacteal feeding were found about three (AOR= 2.661, CI: 1.514-4.674) times more likely to have prelacteal feeding than those mothers who had good knowledge about prelacteal feeding. Home delivery and caesarean section in case of institutional delivery were two major reasons stated for providing prelacteal feeding. Conclusion Prelacteal feeding was commonly practiced in the Chitwan district, Nepal. Mother’s age, economic status, mothers’ knowledge of prelacteal feeding practices, and mode of delivery were factors associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Therefore, awareness and knowledge on the risk associated with prelacteal feeding, promotion of institutional delivery, timely initiation of breastfeeding, and avoidance of prelacteal feeding are important measures for preventing prelacteal feeding practices in Chitwan district, Nepal.