Effective breast feeding techniques and associated factors among lactating mothers: a community-based cross-sectional study in Dugda district, central Ethiopia

Background: Breastfeeding technique is defined as the positioning of the mother and baby, the baby's attachment to the breast, and suckling during nursing, all of which are crucial for successful breastfeeding. Appropriate and longer breastfeeding practices have numerous benefits for both mothers and babies. Moreover, ineffective breastfeeding techniques are a cause of death for thousands of newborns every year. In Ethiopia, the practice of effective breastfeeding techniques remained low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice of effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among breastfeeding mother-infant pairs in Dugda district, Central Ethiopia, 2023. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 20 to August 20, 2023, in Dugda district on a total of 620 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Ethical clearance and approval were secured from the Ethical Review Board of Salale University with reference number SLU-IRB/53/23. The WHO's breastfeeding observational checklist and a face-to-face interview were used to collect the data. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed. An adjusted odds ratio coupled with a 95% CI was used to determine a significant association. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed. An adjusted odds ratio coupled with a 95% CI was used to determine a significant association. Results: The prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques in this study was 43.4% (95% CI: 39.1%, 47.4%). Having antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.14), having prior information about breast feeding techniques (AOR: 5.78; 95% CI: 3.95, 8.46), being multipara (AOR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.47, 3.33), and having educational levels of primary education (AOR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.44, 4.06) and secondary education and above (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.73, 4.69) were significantly associated with effective breastfeeding techniques. Conclusion: The prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques in the study area was relatively low. Therefore, empowering women in education, promoting utilisation of ANC follow-up and disseminating information about breastfeeding techniques could be the key implication for effective breastfeeding techniques. Special emphasis should be given to primipara mothers because they are new for nursing their infants.