Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers of tribal area of Madhya Pradesh, India: a community based cross sectional study

Background: The World Health Organization recommends that all neonates be breastfed within one hour of birth. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life is associated with prolonged duration of breastfeeding and reduction of infant mortality. Present study was conducted with the objective to assess the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and factors associated with early initiation of breast feeding in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh.Methods:A community based cross-sectional study carried in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 210 mother- infant pairs who delivered in last one year were selected for study by “30 cluster sampling method” in Nainpur block of Mandla district.Results: Among 210 mother- infant pairs, 82.4% mothers were 15-24 years with mean age 23.2 ± 3.79 years and the early initiation of breastfeeding were found only in 38.6%. The education and occupation of mothers, education of husband, income, counseling of mother during antenatal visits about need of breast feeding, hospital delivery, delivery conducted by trained person and mother who received Post natal advice were significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding.Conclusions:All mothers should be counselled during antenatal care visit about initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth with identifying and giving further follow up to those mothers at higher risk of not initiating timely breastfeeding.