Abstract:
Background: - Effective breastfeeding technique is the foundation for improving the health of
children in terms of survival, nutrition, growth, and maternal health. Ineffective breastfeeding
technique is the leading cause of cracked nipples and breast engorgement among breastfeeding
mothers. However, there is no existing evidence regarding effective breastfeeding technique at
community-level among breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia.
Objective: - This study assessed the prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques and associated
factors among breastfeeding mothers having less than six months infant in Ambo town, Oromia
Region, Ethiopia 2021
Methods: - A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 20 to September
20, 2021. All kebeles of Ambo town were included in the study. Systematic random sampling was
used to select 422 breastfeeding mothers. A structured observational checklist and Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Epi-info statistical software version 7.2.2.6 and
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used for data entry and analysis
respectively. Both bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression was used to identify the
association. The association between dependent and independent variables were determined using
adjusted odds ratio, confidence interval, and p-values at < 0.05.
Results: - The prevalence of effective breastfeeding technique was 164 (39.3%) with 95%CI (34.6%-
43.9%). Maternal occupation (AOR=1.84,95%CI:1.01-3.32), mothers who had breastfeeding
experience (AOR=1.78,95%CI:1.12-2.87), not offered pre-lacteal feed (AOR=2.22,95%CI:1.24-
4.01), counseled about EBT after delivery (AOR=4.17,95%CI:2.62-6.63) and mothers who had PNC
checkup (AOR=2.32,95%CI:1.42-3.78) were more likely to practice effective breastfeeding
techniques as compared to their counterpart. Having two times ANC visit (AOR= 0.29, 95%CI: 0.13-
0.67), having three times ANC visit (AOR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.23-0.65) were less likely to practice
effective breastfeeding techniques than mothers who had four times and above ANC visit respectively.
Conclusion and recommendations:-Less than 50% of breastfeeding mothers practice effective
breastfeeding techniques in the study area. Factors like occupation, breastfeeding experience, pre lacteal feed, frequency of ANC visit, counseled about EBT after delivery, and PNC visit were
significantly associated with effective breastfeeding technique. Concerned health professionals and
health extension workers should act collaboratively to improve the practice of effective breastfeeding
technique through counseling and demonstrating for breastfeeding mothers
