Formula feeding and associated factors among mothers with infants 0–6 months old in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Adequate nutrition during infancy is essential for children's normal development and well‐being. However, the duration of breastfeeding has been declining and is being replaced by formula feeding, particularly in the urban communities of developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess formula feeding and its associated factors, as relatively little information is available regarding this problem in Ethiopia, particularly in Mettu Town. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in Mettu Town from May 17 to July 1, 2021, among 366 mothers with infants 0–6 months old. A simple random sampling technique was used in this study. Pre‐tested semi‐structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, and variables with a p‐value <0.05 in the final model were declared statistically significant with formula feeding found to be 28.4% [95% CI: (24.0–33.0)]. Primiparity [AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: (1.71–6.27)], cesarean delivery [AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: (1.28–5.35)], initiation of breastfeeding after 24 h [AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: (1.74–10.0)], employed mothers [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: (1.29–4.19)], positive attitude toward formula feeding [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: (1.29–4.19)], and poor knowledge of formula feeding [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.49–4.74)] were factors significantly associated with formula feeding. Almost one‐third of the mothers were formula feeding their infants. Primiparity, maternal employment, initiation of breast milk after 24 h, cesarean delivery, poor maternal knowledge, and positive attitude toward formula feeding were among the contributing factors to this high formula‐feeding practice. Hence, much effort should be invested in educating pregnant and lactating mothers to improve their knowledge of formula feeding while working on activities that change their attitude toward formula feeding.