RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Pre-lacteal feeding is one of the major harmful practices being faced while feeding the newborns. Although it affects child health, little is known about the extent of the problem and its contributing factors in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to figure the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka Town. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinka Town from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 430 mothers, having children less than 12 months of age, were selected by systematic sampling technique. The data were collected by using pretested and interviewer- administered structured questionnaires. The data were entered using epidata 4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values were reported. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 12.6% [95% CI (9.5-15.7)]. Having no maternal education [AOR = 4.82(95%CI 1.60-14.24)], colostrum avoidance [AOR = 4.09(95% CI 1.62-7.67)], lack of breast feeding counseling [AOR: = 2.51(95% CI 1.20-5.25)], home delivery [AOR = 3.34 (95% CI 1.52-7.33)], lack of knowledge about risks of pre-lacteal feeding [AOR = 2.86 (95% CI 1.30-6.29] and poor knowledge on breast feeding practices [AOR = 3.63(95% CI 1.62-8.11)] were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices. CONCLUSION: Pre-lacteal feeding practice among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in Jinka town was found to be higher than the national prevalence. Illiterate, colostrum avoidance, lack of breastfeeding counseling, home delivery, lack of knowledge on the risk of pre-lacteal feeding, and poor knowledge on breastfeeding practice were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices.