Formula feeding practice and associated factors among mothers with infants 0–6 months of age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first half-year of life is an important risk factor for childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite this, less than 40% of infants below 6 months are exclusively breastfed worldwide. This is because breastfeeding is declining and being replaced by formula feeding. Nowaday, formula feeding has become a more common practice in urban communities of developing countries. However, relatively little information is available regarding formula feeding practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis Ababa. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of formula feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers of an infant aged 0–6 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April-1 to May 30/2020 among 494 mothers with infants 0–6 months of age. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were entered and cleaned by using Epi data version 3.1 and analysed by SPSS software version 25. Then data were processed by using descriptive analysis, including frequency distribution, and summary measures. The degree of association was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The prevalence of formula feeding and pre-lacteal feeding practice was 46.2 and 34.4%, respectively. Educational status with a diploma and above (AOR = 3.09, 95%CI: 1.56–6.14), delivery by cesarean section (AOR = 6.13, 95%CI: 4.01–9.37), pre-lacteal feeding practice (AOR = 7.61, 95%CI: 4.11–11.06), and delayed initiation of breastfeeding (after 1 h to 1 day (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.59–7.40), after 1 day to 3 days (AOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.51–9.41), and after 3 days (AOR = 5.41, 95% CI: 2.15–13.60)) were significantly associated with formula feeding practice. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the participants were practiced formula-feeding for their infant. Educational status of mothers, the timing of initiation of breastfeeding, delivery by cesarean section, and pre-lacteal feeding practice were significantly associated with formula feeding practice. Therefore, early initiation of breastfeeding, educating mothers about the risks associated with pre-lacteal feeding, and supporting mothers who gave birth by cesarean section for exclusive breastfeeding should be encouraged at the community and institutional levels. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-021-01010-x.