title: Trends and Predictors of Prelacteal Feeding Practices in Nigeria (2003-2013).
abstract: Prelacteal feeding practices are associated with an increased risk of diarrhoea and many early-life diseases. This paper examined trends and predictors of prelacteal feeding practices in Nigeria. A sample of 6416 infants aged 0-6 months from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data for the period (2003-2013) was used. Trends and multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors. The trends of prelacteal feeding rates fluctuated between 55% and 66% over the study period and were significantly lower among mothers with secondary or higher levels of education (13.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-25.9, p-value = 0.041), delivered at the health facility (13.7%, CI: 1.39-25.9, p-value = 0.029), from more affluent households (18.7%, CI: 1.53-35.9, p-value = 0.033), and lived in urban areas (26.9%, CI: 18.3-35.5, p-value < 0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that mothers with no schooling, younger mothers (aged 15-24 years), mothers who delivered at home, and delivered by caesarean section were more likely to introduce prelacteal feeds. Many mothers still engage in prelacteal feeding practices in Nigeria, with prelacteal feeding more prevalent in young mothers, mothers with no schooling, and mothers who delivered at home. Interventions involving community health volunteers are needed to improve feeding practices in Nigeria.
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2571, NSW, Australia. k.agho@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Kingsley E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Agho
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, College of Science, School of Public Health, Health and Engineering La Trobe University, Bundoora 3083, VIC, Australia. ogespal@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ogeleka
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2571, NSW, Australia. felgbo@yahoo.co.uk.|Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool 2170, NSW, Australia. felgbo@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Felix A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Ogbo
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2571, NSW, Australia. ezehosita@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Osita K
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Ezeh
authors.affiliation: Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool 2170, NSW, Australia. John.eastwood@sswahs.nsw.gov.au.|Department of Community Paediatrics, Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District 24 Liverpool Road, Croydon 2132, NSW, Australia. John.eastwood@sswahs.nsw.gov.au.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eastwood
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2571, NSW, Australia. a.page@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Page
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology / Q000639:trends; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006700:Home Childbirth / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D008892:Milk / Q000009:adverse effects; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009549:Nigeria; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology; D057566:Self Report; D014504:Urban Health / Q000208:ethnology / Q000639:trends
keywords: Nigeria; exclusive breastfeeding; feeding practices; prelacteal