Abstract:
Background: Exclusive breast milk is vital for infants up to 6 months, but adherence to this
recommendation varies globally. Currently, mixed milk feeding (combining breastfeeding with
formula or cow's milk before 6 months) poses health risks such as infections, allergies, digestive
issues, and reduced milk production, potentially leading to early weaning and inadequate nutrition
However, there is limited data on mixed milk feeding in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of mixed milk feeding practice and associated factors among
women with infants aged 0–5 months in Gondar city northwest, Ethiopia.
Method: A cross sectional community based mixed study design was conducted. A total of 629
participants were selected by multistage sampling techniques. Structured questioner was used to
collect quantitative data, which was gathered using Kobo Collect version 2022.1.2 then transferred
to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors
associated with diarrhea at a p-value < 0.05. Mixed milk feeding was assessed using the 24-hour
dietary recall method. The qualitative part of the study was guided by Phenomenological and the
data were transcribed using intelligent transcription methods in Amharic and translated into
English and organized into themes using Open Code 4.02.
Result: In this study, the prevalence of mixed milk feeding was 27.8% (95% CI24.29-31.30.
Media exposure (AOR= 2.52; 95%CI= 1.35-4.73), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (AOR=1.65;
95%CI=1.04-2.62), employed mother (AOR=2.81; 95%CI=1.62-4.86), caesarian section delivery,
(AOR=1.83; 95%CI=1.13-2.95) were significantly associated with mixed milk feeding. From the
qualitative data, the main findings revealed that mixed milk feeding was influenced by lack of
maternal knowledge, perceived insufficiency of breast milk, convenience, work commitments,
health care and family support.
Conclusion: In this study, mixed milk feeding was practiced by more than a quarter of the mothers.
Significant factors were media exposure, breastfeeding initiation, work status, and mode of
delivery. It is recommended to enhance media exposure to effectively educate and motivate
mothers about appropriate infant feeding practices. Additionally, improving hospital support for
early breastfeeding initiation, advocating for extended maternity leave and flexible work
arrangements, and providing targeted support for breastfeeding after cesarean sections are crucial.
