Cetthakrikul Salila, Topothai Chompoonut, Cetthakrikul Nisachol
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Science, Movement Science and Exercise Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Int Breastfeed J. 2025 Aug 19;20(1):65. doi: 10.1186/s13006-025-00759-9.
Early initiation of breastfeeding, defined as breastfeeding within one hour of birth, is a critical indicator of optimal infant feeding practices with substantial health benefits for mothers and infants. Early initiation of breastfeeding rates in Thailand has declined over the past decade, necessitating an investigation into the underlying determinants. Therefore, this study aimed to identify trends in early initiation of breastfeeding prevalence and examine associated factors using national survey data from Thailand.
This study analysed secondary data from four rounds of the Thailand Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS4-7), conducted in 2012 (MICS4), 2015-2015 (MICS5), 2019 (MICS6), and 2022 (MICS7), including 13,063 mothers of children under 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between geographic, socioeconomic, and maternal factors with early initiation of breastfeeding. Statistical significance was determined at 95% confidence and p-value < 0.05, and all analysis was conducted using STATA 17.
Early initiation of breastfeeding prevalence declined from 54.9% in 2012 to 43.1% in 2022. Vaginal delivery increased adjusted odds by 2.1 times (95%CI 1.59, 2.85) while non-skin-to-skin contact reduced early initiation of breastfeeding likelihood by 57% (AOR 0.43, 95%CI 0.33, 0.57). Geographic disparities emerged, with almost all regions showing higher early initiation of breastfeeding rates than Bangkok: North (AOR 2.65, 95%CI 1.49, 4.72), Northeast (AOR 2.55, 95%CI 1.49, 4.35), and South (AOR 3.26, 95%CI 1.92, 5.52). Socioeconomic status and urban or rural residence showed inconsistent associations across survey rounds.
Early initiation of breastfeeding prevalence in Thailand remains low and is off track to meet the 2030 global target of 70%. Interventions to promote vaginal delivery and ensure immediate skin-to-skin contact in all births are critical. Regional variations highlight the importance of culturally tailored strategies to support breastfeeding practices. These findings provide critical evidence for policy development to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Thailand.
早开奶，即出生后一小时内开始母乳喂养，是最佳婴儿喂养方式的关键指标，对母婴健康有诸多益处。泰国早开奶率在过去十年有所下降，因此有必要调查其潜在决定因素。本研究旨在利用泰国的全国调查数据，确定早开奶流行率的趋势并检查相关因素。
本研究分析了四轮泰国多指标类集调查（MICS4 - 7）的二手数据，调查分别于2012年（MICS4）、2015 - 2015年（MICS5）、2019年（MICS6）和2022年（MICS7）进行，涵盖13,063名6个月以下儿童的母亲。采用逻辑回归分析评估地理、社会经济和母亲因素与早开奶之间的关联。在95%置信度和p值<0.05时确定统计学显著性，所有分析均使用STATA 17进行。
早开奶流行率从2012年的54.9%降至2022年的43.1%。阴道分娩使调整后的几率增加2.1倍（95%CI 1.59, 2.85），而非皮肤接触会使早开奶的可能性降低57%（调整后比值比0.43, 95%CI 0.33, 0.57）。出现了地理差异，几乎所有地区的早开奶率都高于曼谷：北部（调整后比值比2.65, 95%CI 1.49, 4.72）、东北部（调整后比值比2.55, 95%CI 1.49, 4.35）和南部（调整后比值比3.26, 95%CI 1.92, 5.52）。社会经济地位以及城市或农村居住情况在各轮调查中显示出不一致的关联。
泰国早开奶流行率仍然较低，未达2030年全球70%的目标。促进阴道分娩并确保所有分娩时立即进行皮肤接触的干预措施至关重要。地区差异凸显了制定文化适应性策略以支持母乳喂养做法的重要性。这些发现为泰国制定改善母婴健康结果的政策提供了关键证据。
