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: MIXED METHOD STUDY

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