Abstract:
Background: Ineffective breastfeeding technique remains the significant contributing factor for early
weaning to exclusive breastfeeding practice and breast problems. However, In Ethiopia, particularly in
the study area, there is a paucity of research on ineffective breastfeeding techniques and associated
factors in the southern Gonder zone. Therefore, this study aimed to assess ineffective breastfeeding
technique and associated factors among lactating mothers in public hospitals of South Gondar Zone.
Ethiopia.
Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals of south Gondar
Zone, Northwest, Ethiopia from May 24, to June 21, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique
was used to recruit 423 study participants. Observational checklists and interviewer-administered
questionnaires were used. The variables, positioning, attachment, and suckling, were used to assess the
outcome variable. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and transferred to SPSS version 26
for the final analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to
identify independent predictors of ineffective breastfeeding technique after controlling for confounding
variables. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Results: The proportion of mothers practicing an ineffective breastfeeding technique was 54.3% [95%
confidence interval (CI); 49.9. %, 59.8%]. Having no formal education (AOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.15, 3.00).
being primiparous (AOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.15, 3.73), bottle feeding (AOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.14,3.33), not
having antenatal care follow-up (AOR 3.09; 95% CI 1.56, 6.09), not having previous information about
breastfeeding techniques (AOR 1.94;95% Cl 1,20,3.14), having breast problems (AOR 2.22; 95% CI
1.15,4.65) and age of mothers (21-25) (AOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.27, 0.84) and (26-30 years old)(AOR 0.23;
95% CI 0.11, 0.48) were significantly associated with the practices of ineffective breastfeeding
technique.
Conclusion: The practice of ineffective breastfeeding techniques was high. Not having a formal
education, not having previous information about breastfeeding techniques, bottle-feeding, having
breast problems, not having antenatal care follow-up, age of the mother, and being primiparous were
predictors of ineffective breastfeeding technique. Therefore, empowering women in education
promoting ANC follow-up, and disseminating information about breastfeeding techniques could be the
key implication for reducing ineffective breastfeeding techniques practices. Moreover tailored
intervention of primiparous and women with breast problems is mandatory
