Factors Associated with Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Study of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2022

Ram Dhakal, Jawaharlal Nehru University

The paper assesses the factors affecting early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) among children under two years of age using the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2022. Logistic regression analysis was performed in both unadjusted and adjusted models, with predictors related to mother and child, access to healthcare, and socio-economic status. Data reveals that children whose mothers were working had higher odds of EIBF (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.79), children delivered through the vaginal route (AOR: 6.13, 95% CI: 4.38–8.58), with full ANC visits (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05– 2.02), exposed to media (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06– 1.71) and with avoidance of prelacteal feeding (AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.78 – 2.96) were the most likely to receive EIBF. Children from Janajati groups were 1.4 times more likely to receive EIBF (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00 – 1.92) as compared to Brahmin/Chhetri children, and those from Lumbini and Sudur Paschim were at greater odds for EIBF than those representing Bagmati province. It indicates that the mothers' employment, delivery mode, media exposure, prelacteal feeding, region, and ethnicity were significant predictors of EIBF. Strategies should address these critical factors through targeted education, healthcare support, and policy interventions.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

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