Abstract:
Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is defined as feeding newborn infants
through the mother's breast milk during the first hour of delivery. Breastfeeding beginning at the
appropriate time is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite these facts, spatial
analyses have not been conducted to identify areas with cold spots (high prevalence rates) of
immediate breast feed among children in Ethiopia
Objective: This study aims to assess spatial distribution and determinant factors of immediate
breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: This study is a multilevel data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health
Survey data. A total of 3,659 children born within the last 24 months were included in the
analysis. Getis-Ord GI* statistics were used to identify the hot and cold spot area of immediate
breastfeeding initiation among children.
Results; the spatial analysis indicated that cold spots of immediate breast feeding initiation were
observed in the central (Addis Ababa), south-western (Gambela) and eastern (Dire dawa and
Harari) parts of the country.Mothers who delivered in Health Institution (HI)[AOR = 1.6;
95%CI: (1.11-2.14)], and Community with rich family‘s [AOR = 1.4; 95%CI: (1.1-1.7)] were
factors associated with higher odds of immediate breast feeding initiation.
Conclusion; The prevalence rate of immediate breast feeding initiation among children varied
across the country. Significant hotspots/low prevalence of immediate breast feeding initiation
was observed in the eastern, south western and north-eastern parts of Ethiopia. Immediate breast
feeding initiation increasing strategies need to be targeted potentially informs mothers and the
wider community on the benefits of timely breastfeeding initiation.
