Effectiveness of the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Kimani-Murage, Elizabeth W.
Kimiywe, Judith
Mutoro, Antonina N.
Wilunda, Calistus
Wekesah, Frederick Murunga
Muriuki, Peter
Mwangi, Bonaventure M.
Samburu, Betty Mogesi
Nyovani, Janet Madise
McGarvey, Stephen T.
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Abstract
The baby-friendly hospital initiative (BFHI) promotes exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in
hospitals, but this is not accessible in rural settings where mothers give birth at home,
hence the need for a community intervention. We tested the effectiveness of the
baby-friendly community initiative (BFCI) on EBF in rural Kenya. This cluster randomized
study was conducted in 13 community units in Koibatek sub-county. Pregnant
women aged 15–49 years were recruited and followed up until their children were
6 months old. Mothers in the intervention group received standard maternal, infant
and young child nutrition counselling, support from trained community health volunteers,
health professionals and community and mother support groups, whereas
those in the control group received standard counselling only. Data on breastfeeding
practices were collected longitudinally. The probability of EBF up to 6 months of age
and the restricted mean survival time difference were estimated. A total of 823
(intervention group n = 351) pregnant women were recruited. Compared with children
in the control group, children in the intervention group were more likely to
exclusively breastfeed for 6 months (79.2% vs. 54.5%; P < .05). Children in the intervention
group were also exclusively breastfed for a longer time, mean difference
(95% confidence interval [CI]) 0.62 months (0.38, 0.85; P < .001). The BFCI
implemented within the existing health system and including community and mother
support groups led to a significant increase in EBF in a rural Kenyan setting. This
intervention has the potential to improve EBF rates in similar settings.
Description
article
Keywords
baby-friendly community initiative, child nutrition, cluster randomized trial, exclusive breastfeeding, infant feeding practices, Kenya, rural
Citation
Onyango, S., Kimani-Murage, E., Kitsao-Wekulo, P., Langat, N. K., Okelo, K., Obong’o, C., ... & Fink, G. (2022). Associations between exclusive breastfeeding duration and children’s developmental outcomes: Evidence from Siaya county, Kenya. Plos one, 17(3), e0265366.