Initiation of breast milk expression and associated factor among mothers of preterm neonates admitted to Neonatal intensive care unit, at Amhara region comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia 2023.

Abstract

Background: The Initiation of breast milk expression was the time when mothers began expressing milk from their breasts. In preterm neonates, sucking and swallowing reflex coordination with breathing is poor, so breast milk expression is an optimal solution to start breastfeeding. There is limited literature in the study area regarding the study topic. Objective: To assess the Initiation of breast milk expression and associated factors among mothers of preterm neonates admitted at Neonatal intensive care unit, Amhara region, comprehensive specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia 2023. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Amhara region's comprehensive specialised hospitals from April 15–May 15, 2023. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain study participants. Maternal interviews and the neonate’s chart were used to gather data from 401 respondents, and then the collected data was entered, coded, and cleaned into EPi-Data version 4.6.0.2 and analysed by Stata 14.0 Software. In the bivariable logistic regression model, variables that had a p-value < 0.25 were further analysed in the Multivariate logistic regression model with a p-value < 0.05, and a 95% confidence interval of the AOR was used to determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. Result: From 422 participants, 401 (95.02%) were involved in the study. The late initiation time of breast milk expression was 340 (84.79%). Respondents GA < 32 wks (AOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.21, 10.61), who don’t get instruction to express milk within the first 6 hrs (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.06,5.79), who don’t get family support (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.10,4.36), and who don’t know the importance of mother’s milk for preterm neonates (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.24,4.47), were significantly associated with late initiation of breast milk expression. Conclusion and recommendation: Based on the findings, the initiation of breast milk expression was poor. Getting instruction, knowing the importance of mother’s milk, family support, and GA < 32 wks were significantly associated with late initiation of breast milk expression. Therefore, health workers should instruct mothers within 6 hours of delivery, especially GA < 32 weeks.