Factors Associated with the Non-Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in a Reference Hospital in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Context: WHO and UNICEF global recommendations state that all newborns should initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth. It is a low-cost method with considerable potential to reduce neonatal and early infant morbidity. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with the non-initiation of early breastfeeding in mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims over a six-month period from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, in the neonatology unit of the Regional Hospital Center of Abobo Houphouët Boigny. Cluster sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interview questionnaire. Associations between early initiation and independent variables were tested using the Chi-square test. Crude odds ratios (COR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 26.56 ± 5.05 years. The majority (82%) were in a relationship and 7% had a higher level of education. Those who were self-employed represented 50% while 7% were students. The percentage of children who were breastfed within an hour of birth was 61%. In multivariate analysis, factors such as religion (p = 0.039), gender (p = 0.033), APGAR score at 5 minutes (p = 0.004) and mode of delivery (<0.0001) were associated with early breastfeeding.