TITLE:
Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: Prevalence and Associated Factors among Infants Aged 0 to 6 Months at the Institute of Social Pediatrics of Pikine-Guédiawaye in Senegal
AUTHORS:
Ndèye Fatou Sow, Jean Baptiste Niokhor Diouf, Aminata Mbaye, Yaay Joor Koddu Biggé Dieng, Amadou Sow, Djibril Boiro, Awa Kane, Guillaye Diagne, Djénéba Fafa Cisse, Abdallah Diallo, Abou Ba, Ousmane Ndiaye
KEYWORDS:
Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Newborn, Infant, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.5,
September
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is essential for neonatal survival and the establishment of sustained breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of EIBF and identify associated factors at the Institute of Social Pediatrics in Pikine-Guédiawaye between 2021 and 2022. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study involving 350 infants aged 0 - 6 months, recruited between November 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, at the vaccination unit of the Pikine-Guédiawaye branch. Results: The mean age of the infants was 2.5 ± 3.7 months, with most belonging to the 1 - 2-month age group (30%). Females were slightly more numerous (sex ratio = 0.93). The majority (86%) had a normal birth weight (3119 ± 556 g). The mean maternal age was 27.9 ± 5.5 years, with a predominance of the 20 - 30-year age group (55.7%). Over one-third (37.5%) of the mothers were multiparous. In total, 60.3% were educated; 40.9% were homemakers and 40% had income-generating activities. Nearly all were married (98.9%). Most pregnancies were singleton (99.7%) and were followed by a certified midwife (93.1%). Three-quarters (74%) of the mothers had at least four antenatal consultations. Deliveries were full-term in 94.3% of cases, primarily taking place in health posts (41.7%) and through vaginal delivery (89.7%). Among the 350 infants included, 195 (55.7%) were breastfed within the first hour of life. The mean time to initiation was 8 ± 21.1 hours, and the mean time to mother-infant reunion was 5 ± 17.4 hours. Early initiation of breastfeeding was significantly associated with the place of delivery (p = 0.028) and mode of delivery (p = 0.004). Maternal age showed a borderline association (p = 0.181). Conclusion: Early initiation of breastfeeding is a key determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Strengthening awareness among pregnant women about this practice is crucial to ensure that every newborn receives the best possible start in life.