Background: Ethiopia is a country with low optimal breast feeding practice, and prelacteal feeding is still a norm.
Introduction of prelacteal feeding is a known barrier for optimal breast feeding practices. However, knowledge on
determinants of introduction of prelacteal feeding is minimal. This study aimed to identify the effects of individual
and community-level factors in the introduction of prelacteal feeding in Ethiopia.
Methods: Data for this study was extracted from the nationally representative 2011 Ethiopia Demographic and
Health Survey (EDHS) and focused on a sample from child data, with a sample from 576 clusters of 7692 children
who were last-born in the past five years preceding the survey. The data was collected using two-stage cluster
design, in which enumeration areas forming the first stage and households making the second stage. A two-level
mixed effect multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine the individual and community-level
factors associated with introduction of prelacteal feeding.
Results: From the total sample of children 28.92 % were fed prelacteals. Butter (n = 1143), plain water (n = 395) and
milk-other than breast milk (n = 323) were commonly used prelacteals. In multivariable two-level mixed effect model;
caesarean mode of delivery (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.87; 95 % CI 1.28, 2.73), and late initiation of breastfeeding
(AOR = 5.32; 95 % CI 4.65, 6.09) were both positively associated with the odds of giving prelacteals. Higher economic
status 28 % (AOR = 0.72; 95 % CI 0.54, 0.98), giving birth at hand of non-health personnel birth assistance (AOR = 0.68;
95 % CI 0.54, 0.87), large birth size of child (AOR = 0.80; 95 % CI 0.68, 0.95) and high community antenatal care use
(AOR = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.38, 0.87) were negatively associated with the odds of giving prelacteals. Significant variation in
prelacteal feeding practice was also seen among ethnic and religious groups, and across regions.
Conclusions: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was high that remained a challenge for optimal breastfeeding in
Ethiopia. Not only individual-level factors, but also community-level factors contribute to prelacteal feeding practice.
Increasing access to health education through increasing maternal health care service coverage and community
involvement is crucial.