Sheka Shemsi Seid, Elsa Muluneh, Ismael Ahmed Sinbirro, Tolasa Takele Moga, Tura Koshe Haso and Shamsedin Amme Ibro
Background: Breast milk substitutes are used commonly worldwide with bottle feeding which should be avoided due to its impact on optimal breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding. Moreover, feeding bottles are associated with diarrheal disease morbidity and mortality as it is difficult to keep it clean especially in developing countries where sanitation is poor. Objectives: To assess the utilization of bottle feeding practices and associated factors among mothers who have infant (from birth-12 months of age) in Agaroo town, Jimma zone Oromia region south west Ethiopia, 2018. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from March 15 to 30, 2018 in Agaroo town. A systematic sampling method was applied to select 222 respondents among mothers who have infant (from birth-12 months of age). Data was collected through face to face interview using pretested questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS and to identify associated factor chi-square was used. The data was presented by graph and tables. Result: From the total of 222 mothers participated in the study the prevalence of bottle feeding was 207 (93.2%). Mothers return to work 104 (46.8) was the main reasons for initiation of bottle feeding reported by the mothers who started bottle feeding practice. The percentage was high among mothers with educational background of illiterate 92 (41.4%) governmental employer 10 (4.8%) and whose monthly family income was 1000-1499 birr 100 (45%). There was significant association between bottle feeding practices and Mothers’ education status, occupational status, place of delivery and family monthly income. Conclusions: The utilizations of bottle feeding was high at the study area. Educational status, monthly family income, employments was associated with utilization of bottle feeding. The provision of formal and information education to the mothers, increasing family monthly income, the number months for maternal leave and institutional delivery could reduce the bottle feeding utilizations among mothers.
