Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Guinea: Analysis DHS 2018 and implications for public health

Abstract

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding is crucial for the survival of newborns, as it significantly reduces infant mortality rates. However, in Guinea, this practice remains below the targets set by the World Health Organization, which stated that each member country should achieve a rate of early initiation of breastfeeding of 70% by 2030.
Aim: This study aims to identify the factors associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding in Guinea.
Setting: This study was conducted in Guinea.
Methods: Multilevel logistic regression was carried out to identify the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding. Three two-level statistical models were adjusted and the final model was obtained using a stepwise backwards approach.
Results: Only 42.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.7–46.0) of mothers reported having breastfed their newborn babies within the first hour of life. Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding included caesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.16–0.53, p < 0.001), assistance at delivery (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26–2.07, p < 0.001), the woman’s employment (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.11–1.73, p < 0.003), small birth size (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.94, p < 0.023) and belonging to rich and very rich households (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.11–2.31, p < 0.011 and aOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.33–3.17, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Less than half of women in Guinea initiate breastfeeding early.
Contribution: These results underline the importance of strengthening prenatal care and awareness-raising interventions to improve breastfeeding practices in Guinea.