Abstract:
Background: Colostrums is the pre milk stuff, sticky, yellowish in color, highly nutritious and
contains anti-infective substances. Colostrum feeding practice is not begun for newborns soon
after delivery for different communal misunderstandings. Therefoere, this study is important to
determine colostrum feeding practice and associated factors, to identify the gaps on colostrum
feeding practice in the study area.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of colostrum feeding practice and associated factors among
mothers having infants of less than six months attending health facilities in Woliso town,
Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022.
Method: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted from April 1
st to May
31st
, 2022, among 326 mothers of infants less than 6 months selected through a systematic
random sampling technique. The data were collected using interviewer administered structured
and pretested questionnaire. Data were summarized using descriptive analyses such as
frequency, percentage, & mean (SD). Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression
analysis employed to identify associated factors. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with its 95%
Confidence Interval (CI) was used to report an association. Statistically significance declared at
p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression.
Results: A total of 325 breastfeeding mothers with infants younger than 6 months responded,
making the response rate 99.7%.The overall magnitude of colostrum feeding practice among the
study participants in the study area was 281 (86.5%) (CI: 82.8%, 90.5%). Being 15-24 years old
(AOR=3.68, 95%CI: 1.10, 12.43), 25-34 years old (AOR=3.63, 95%CI: 1.47, 8.99), living in an
urban area (AOR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.21, 5.22), receiving breast feeding counseling during an
antenatal care visit (AOR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.10,6.97) and having a good knowledge about
colostrum feeding (AOR=2.74, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.71) were factors that were significantly
associated with colostrum feeding practice.
Conclusion: The magnitude of colostrum feeding practice among mothers in the study area was
relatively higher. The factors that were significantly associated with colostrum feeding practice
were: being in the age groups of 15-24 years and of 25-34 years; residing in an urban area; and
having good knowledge about colostrum feeding. Therefore, it is importatnt to focus on these
factors to improve colostrum feeding practice in the study area.
Key Words Colostrums feeding, Practice, associated factor, Woliso town, Oromia, Ethiopia
