Abstract:
A donor breast milk bank is recommended for preterm, low birth weight, and
other infants who cannot feed their mother’s milk. It is an intervention that contributes to the
reduction of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Healthcare professionals play a key
role in ensuring the establishment and success of this intervention. However, there is a significant
lack of evidence regarding its acceptability among healthcare professionals in eastern Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the acceptability of donor breast milk banking and its associated factors
among healthcare professionals in public hospitals in Harari regional state and Dire Dawa City
Administration, Eastern Ethiopia, from August 15-September 13, 2024.
Methods: A mixed-method study (quantitative, cross-sectional, and qualitative) design was
employed. For the quantitative study, a total of 347 healthcare professionals working in maternal
and child health units were enrolled using a simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data
was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi-data version
4.6, and analyzed using STATA version 17. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to
identify factors associated with the acceptability of donor breast milk banking. Qualitative data
was collected by in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The proportion of acceptability of donor breast milk banking was 38.62% (95% CI:
33.47, 43.96%). Factors such as having a master’s degree, and medical doctor, adequate
knowledge, a good attitude and having children were significantly associated with breast milk
banks' acceptability. Qualitative insights revealed facilitators such as training and educational
activities, understanding of breast milk benefits, and trust in healthcare systems’ safety protocol,
while barriers were; lack of awareness, cultural and religious concerns, and resource constraints.
Conclusion: The acceptability of breast milk banks among healthcare professionals was
moderate, and influenced by factors such as level of education, knowledge status, attitudes, and
having children. Facilitators were; understanding of the benefits of breast milk, confidence in the
safety protocols, as well as training and educational initiatives; while, lack of awareness, cultural
and religious concerns, and resource constraints were barriers. Targeted educational programs,
awareness campaigns, infrastructural improvements, and further studies are recommended to
enhance the acceptability of breast milk banks
