BACKGROUND: In the era of HIV infection, exclusive breast-feeding highly recommended for infants aged less than 6 months. Avoidance of exclusive breast-feeding by HIV-infected mothers recommended when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe. The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding has remained very low worldwide. Despite this fact, there is limited information on infant feeding practices of HIV-positive mothers and factors that affect the practice in the current study area.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the magnitude of infant feeding practice and associated factors among HIV-positive mothers of infants aged 0-6 months at public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHODS: A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among a total of 397 study participants. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The completeness of the data was checked, coded, cleaned and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software, and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression model were employed for the analysis with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI and a P value ≤ 0.05 to determine the strength of association between infant feeding practice and its independent factors.
RESULTS: The overall magnitude of appropriate infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was 82.6% (95% CI 80.9-88.2). Good knowledge of mother\'s toward infant feeding (AOR: 1.26, 95%, CI 1.11-3.34), better household monthly income, ≥ 6001 Ethiopian birr (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.33-5.14) and favorable attitude of mother\'s toward infant feeding (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.92) were statistically significant associated factors with the recommended way of infant feeding practice.
CONCLUSIONS: Hence, the current study area is the capital city of the Ethiopia, where a relatively educated population lived in, there was an opportunity for better income, and appropriate infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was found slightly higher than even the overall national target (70%) that was planned by 2020. Therefore, different stakeholders should develop strategic plan to excel females\' education coverage and thereby their knowledge and attitude toward infant feeding to fully eradicate mother-to-child transmission of diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Using a model-based analysis, we calculated the total costs associated with the exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) and breast milk substitute (BMS) usage for one infant for six months within select humanitarian contexts to (a) determine if there is a notable difference in costs and (b) use these results to inform future creation of data-informed humanitarian response standard operating procedures.
METHODS: The inputs and costing data were drawn from a mixture of local e-commerce vendors, peer-reviewed literature and personal communications with field-based humanitarian responders. To account for cost fluctuations, each input\'s costs along with low and high parameters are presented. All costs are presented in 2021 United States Dollars.
METHODS: Humanitarian responses within Indonesia and Jordan.
METHODS: Not applicable.
RESULTS: There was a notable difference in the total cost of care in both selected locations across the study arms (Indonesia: $542; Jordan: $892).
CONCLUSIONS: Given the reality of limited funding for comprehensive humanitarian response around the world and the necessity of prioritising certain interventions, humanitarian response organisations should consider the notable cost difference between EBF and BMS usage (along with the proven health benefits of EBF). This difference should play a role in informing the future creation of standard operating procedures while also ensuring that all infants within a humanitarian crisis receive appropriate feeding.

Introduction: Optimal breast-feeding practices make a major contribution to the promotion of healthy growth and development through much prevention of diarrheal and respiratory diseases which majorly cause morbidity and mortality in under-five children. However, breast-feeding practices remain suboptimality in Ethiopia. Objective: The study objective was to determine the effect of maternal nutrition education on early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding practice in the Hawela Tulla sub-city. Methods: A cluster randomised, parallel-group, single-blinded trial was used. About 310 pregnant women (155 for the intervention group and 155 for the control group) were included. Result: An early initiation of breast-feeding was significantly higher among women who received breast-feeding education than those who did not receive (104(72·7 %) v. 85(59·9 %), P = 0·022) and exclusive breast-feeding practice was also significantly higher among women who received breast-feeding education than those who did not receive (106(74·1 %) v. 86(60·6 %), P = 0·015). Breast-feeding education [AORs 1·55, 95 % CI (1·02, 2·36)], institutional delivery [AOR 2·29, 95 % CI (1·21, 4·35)], vaginal delivery [AOR 2·85, 95 % CI (1·61, 5·41)] and pre-lacteal feeding [AOR 0·47, 95 % CI (0·25, 0·85)] were predictors of early initiation of breast-feeding. Breast-feeding education [AOR 1·72, 95 % CI (1·12, 2·64)] and institutional delivery [AOR 2·36, 95 % CI (1·28, 4·33)] were also determinants of exclusive breast-feeding practices. Conclusion: Breast-feeding education improved early initiation of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding practices. Providing sustained education to women regarding early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding practice should be strengthened.

The current study aimed to assess trends, associated factors and the changes in these factors for exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) over the past two decades in Lao People\'s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
The current study used a quasi-longitudinal design. Descriptive analyses were done with correction for complex survey design. Inferential analyses were done for survey years separately using multiple logistic regression. Finally, pooled logistic regression analysis was done using interaction terms to quantify the difference in association per year.
The current study used data from all provinces of Lao PDR collected in the years 2000, 2006, 2011/2012 and 2017.
Children aged six months or younger from Lao PDR.
EBF practice was estimated at 19·03 %, 26·87 %, 40·67 % and 44·89 % in the four survey years, respectively. Factors significantly associated with EBF included: region of residence, ethnicity, wealth index and age of child. Region and ethnicity saw significant changes in association, and the South developing positively over time as well as in the Lao-Thai ethnic group. Having had any antenatal visits was not associated with EBF practice, nor did this change over time.
Our study shows how EBF trends, and factors associated with EBF, changed over time. We applied an easily replicable methodology to assess similar public health phenomena. We argue that such analysis is particularly relevant for transitioning countries. In such rapidly evolving settings, it is crucial to take into account changing underlying factors when assessing and developing public health policy.

The present study aimed to assess the current state of breast-feeding promotion in hospitals and the prevalence of breast-feeding during the first year of life in Germany and to compare the results with a study 20 years earlier.
In the studies on \'breast-feeding and infant nutrition in Germany\' named \'SuSe\', a cross-sectional survey in hospitals was combined with a subsequent prospective survey of breast-feeding and infant nutrition during the first year of life (0·5, 2, 4, 6 and 12 months after birth) in mother-infant pairs who were recruited in the hospitals. Written questionnaires and phone calls were used in SuSe I and web-based questionnaires in SuSe II. Breast-feeding promotion and prevalence were evaluated using recommendations from the WHO and the UNICEF.
Two nationwide surveys SuSe I (1997-1998) and SuSe II (2017-2019).
In SuSe I, 177 hospitals and 1717 mother-infant pairs and in SuSe II 109 hospitals and 962 mother-infant pairs were included.
In SuSe II, hospitals implemented seven of the WHO \'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding\' to a greater extent than the hospitals in SuSe I. More mothers exclusively breastfed for 4 months (57 % v. 33 %) and continued breast-feeding until 6 (78 % v. 48 %) and 12 months (41 % v. 13 %). In both studies, exclusive breast-feeding decreased between 4 and 6 months of age due to the introduction of complementary feeding.
In Germany, breast-feeding habits have come closer to the recommendations over the last 20 years.

UNASSIGNED: Exclusive breast-feeding is the practice of feeding breast milk during the first 6 months and no other liquids and solid foods except medications. Despite its demonstrated benefits, exclusive breast-feeding practice in many countries including Ethiopia is lower than the international recommendation. However, studies about exclusive breast-feeding in the study area are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap.
UNASSIGNED: Community-based cross-sectional study was employed. A cluster sampling method was used to select 577 women who had a child aged <12 months. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epi-Data version 3.1 and SPSS version 21 were used for data entry and analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between the dependent and independent variables.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 577 study participants have participated in the study which gives 97.8% response. Exclusive breast-feeding practice among the mothers was 45.8%. Women in the age group of 26-40 were 2 times more likely to breast-feed than women in the age group of 18-25 at (AOR = 1.980 [95% CI = 1.098, 3.570]). Women who have information about exclusive breast-feeding were two times more likely to breast feed than those who have no information at (AOR = 1.952 [95% CI = 1.130, 3.373]). Those women who initiated breast-feeding early were 12 times more likely to breastfeed than those women who did not initiate early at (AOR = 12.336 [95% CI = 1.331, 14.316]).
UNASSIGNED: The overall exclusive breast-feeding practice among the women was found to be less. Age, information on breast-feeding and early initiation of breast-feeding were found as important predictors of exclusive breast-feeding. Improving access to information on recommended infant feeding is vital, and encouraging exclusive breast-feeding among mothers through proper counseling and mother-friendly work environment is advisable.

In 2011, the Department of Health in South Africa committed to promote, support and protect breast-feeding. Subsequently, the supply of free formula milk to HIV-infected mothers was discontinued, with these mothers encouraged to breast-feed. This was also in compliance with the WHO\'s call for countries to adopt a single-feeding practice for HIV-infected mothers. This study explored the experiences of HIV-infected mothers regarding exclusive breast-feeding in the first six months following an infant\'s birth. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth unstructured interviews at a community health centre among mothers aged 18 years and above, who opted for exclusive breast-feeding. Thematic data analysis was undertaken. The study results revealed that mothers had positive experiences, such as motivation, satisfaction and being well informed. Some mothers had negative experiences, such as anxiety, family pressure and guilt, leading to non-adherence to exclusive breast-feeding. The experiences of participating mothers were mainly influenced by socio-cultural issues and information from healthcare workers. The study findings highlight the need to intensify advocacy, communication and social mobilization to the communities at large regarding exclusive breastfeeding.

Effective promotion of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) is needed to improve child nutrition and survival.
We explored barriers and facilitators to EBF in rural Tanzania and assessed parents\' willingness and ability to try specific recommended EBF practices plus strategies for men to support breast-feeding.
We conducted Trials of Improved Practices in 36 households with infants <6 months. Fathers participated in focus group discussions on ways to support breast-feeding. Fathers and mothers were individually interviewed 2 and 3 times, respectively, about their willingness to try and experience with selected new practices. We analyzed data thematically.
Common barriers to EBF were (1) use of gripe water and traditional medicines for perceived symptoms of infantile distress; (2) mothers\' workloads and time away from infants, limiting availability for EBF; and (3) water given for perceived thirst. Although several mothers expressed concerns about breast-milk insufficiency, few were giving other foods. After counseling, most mothers reported breast-feeding more optimally. Some reported improved breast-milk supply. Fathers saw their roles as providing food to mothers to ensure sufficient breast-milk and encouraging new practices. Dominant gender roles and work away from home were barriers even if fathers were willing to help with household chores. Fathers mostly provided emotional support or encouraged others to help with chores.
Exclusive breast-feeding promotion needs to address concerns about infantile distress and help parents develop effective soothing techniques while avoiding nonprescribed medicines. Engaging men in EBF interventions could help change social norms and facilitate men\'s involvement in improving breast-feeding practices.

BACKGROUND: The perinatal period is associated with a high risk of infant anemia. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of infant and maternal anemia during the late lactation period and the risk factors for anemia in Japan.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was based on data from health checkups of healthy infants at 6-7 and 9-10 months of age and their mothers who visited Akitsu Children\'s Clinic between September 2013 and August 2015. Complete blood count data from infant blood samples obtained at 6-7 months and 9-10 months and from maternal blood samples obtained at 6-7 months, information on feeding methods, and other related parameters were analyzed.
RESULTS: Data from 388 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. The prevalence of infant anemia was 21.1% at 6-7 months and 29.1% at 9-10 months. The prevalence of anemia in exclusively breast-fed infants was 28.4% at 6-7 months and 40.0% at 9-10 months. The risk factors for infant anemia at 9-10 months were exclusive breast-feeding, lower gestational age at birth, male sex, and high weight gain. The prevalence of maternal anemia was 10.5%. There was no correlation between infant and maternal hemoglobin in exclusively breast-fed infants.
CONCLUSIONS: Japanese infants who were breast-fed exclusively had a high prevalence of anemia. A nationwide strategy to prevent anemia is required to prevent infant anemia, even in a nutrition-rich country such as Japan.

The association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) practices remains unclear. The present study evaluated the association between GWG and EBF in the first 6 months postpartum among primiparas in rural China.
The study population was drawn from a previous randomized controlled trial, and the relevant data were obtained from an electronic, population-based perinatal system and a monitoring system for child health care. GWG was categorized according to the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine.
Five rural counties in Hebei Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 8449 primiparas.
Of the women, 58·7 % breast-fed exclusively for the first 6 months postpartum. Overweight women who gained either more or less weight than the recommended GWG tended to experience failure of EBF (OR=0·49; 95 % CI 0·34, 0·70; P<0·001 and OR=0·79; 95 % CI 0·63, 0·99; P=0·048, respectively). The same results were also observed among obese women; the OR for lower and greater weight gain were 0·28 (95 % CI 0·08, 0·94; P=0·04) and 0·55 (95 % CI 0·32, 0·95; P=0·03), respectively.
GWG that is below or above the Institute of Medicine recommendations is associated with EBF behaviour for the first 6 months postpartum in overweight and obese primiparas in rural China.