Major maternal related determinants of non-breastfeeding among mothers in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis from DHS Ethiopia 2016

• Published in: PloS one 2023-01, Vol.18 (6)
• Main Authors: Amare Wondim, Masresha Asmare Techane, Chalachew Adugna Wubneh, Nega Tezera Assimamaw, Getaneh Mulualem Belay, Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Addis Bilal Muhye, Destaye Guadie Kassie, Bewuketu Terefe, Bethelihem Tigabu Tarekegn, Mohammed Seid Ali, Beletech Fentie, Almaz Tefera Gonete, Berhan Tekeba, Selam Fisiha Kassa, Bogale Kassahun Desta, Amare Demsie Ayele, Melkamu Tilahun Dessie, Kendalem Asmare Atalell, Tewodros Getaneh Alemu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1932-6203

Introduction In Ethiopia, the burden of non-breastfeeding is still high despite substantial improvements in breastfeeding. However, the determinants of non-breastfeeding were poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the maternal -related factors associated with non-breastfeeding. Methods An in-depth analysis of data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 (EDHS 2016) was used. A total weighted sample of 11,007 children was included in the analysis. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with non-breastfeeding. A p-value < of 0.05 was used to identify factors significantly associated with non-breastfeeding. Results The prevalence of non-breastfeeding in Ethiopia was 5.28%. The odds of not breastfeeding were 1.5 times higher among women aged 35to 49 years (AOR = 1.5 CI: 1.034, 2.267) than among women aged 15to 24 years. The odds of not breastfeeding were higher among children whose mothers had BMIs of 18.5–24.9 (AOR = 1.6 CI: 1.097, 2.368) and 25–29.9 (AOR = 2.445 CI: 1.36, 4.394) than among women with BMIs of < 18.5. In addition, not breastfeeding was also significantly associated with ANC follow-up, where mothers who had 1–3 ANC follow-up had a 54% decreased odds (AOR = 0.651 CI: 0.46,0.921) compared to mothers who had no ANC follow-up. Demographically, mothers from Somalia region were five times (AOR = 5.485 CI: 1.654, 18.183) and mothers from SNNP region were almost four times (AOR = 3.997 CI: 1.352, 11.809) more likely to not breastfeed than mothers residing in Addis Ababa. Conclusions Although breastfeeding practices are gradually improving in Ethiopia, the number of children not breastfed remains high. Individual-level characteristics (women’s age, body mass index, and ANC follow-up) and community-level characteristics (geographic region) were statistically significant determinants of non-breastfeeding. Therefore, it is good for the federal minister of Health, planners, policy and decision- makers, and other concerned child health programmers to prioritize both individual and community factors.