MAGNITUDE OF INEFFECTIVE BREASTFEEDING TECHNIQUES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS VISITING PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN SOUTH GONDAR ZONE, NORTHWEST, ETHIOPIA

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