To assess the prevalence and factors determining timely initiation of breastfeeding among the mothers in resettlement colony in Delhi

Abstract

Background: The initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth has various benefits and has been found to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Objective: This study is designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers in a resettlement colony of Delhi. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a resettlement colony of East Delhi among mothers with infants <6 months of age. Mothers were enrolled from Anganwadi Centers using systematic random sampling, and a questionnaire was used to record information on feeding practices. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: The prevalence of the initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth was 51.7%. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors which were found to be significantly associated were type of delivery (p<0.005), place of delivery (p<0.005), and advice on the initiation of breastfeeding at the time of delivery or postnatal period (p<0.005). Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of the initiation of breastfeeding is better than the national average. It was higher in children born in government health institutions. This study suggests that the importance of the early initiation of breastfeeding should be emphasized during antenatal care visits through trained skilled health professionals in public and private health sector.