Data source
We analyzed a cross-sectional nationally representative data extracted from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018. MEASURE DHS provided technical input in the process of data collection and supported by the National Population Commission (NPC) [38]. Data on 2,936 children under six months old was extracted for analysis. In addition, data on 21,569 children was analyzed for EIBF and SSC. NDHS is a vital source of data on EBF, EIBF and SSC especially as it consists of a nationally representative sample of households. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data was collected through a stratified multistage cluster sampling technique. The procedure for stratification approach divides the population into groups by geographical region and commonly crossed by place of residence - urban-rural. A multi-level stratification approach is used to divide the population into first-level strata and to subdivide the first-level strata into second-level strata, and so on. A two-level stratification in DHS is region and urban/rural stratification. DHS data is available in the public domain and accessed at; http://dhsprogram.com/data/available-datasets.cfm. The details of DHS data has been report in a previous study [39].
Response rate
NDHS 2018 selected a total of 41,668 households for the sample, of which 40,666 were occupied. Of the occupied households, 40,427 were successfully interviewed, yielding a response rate of 99%. In the households interviewed, 42,121 women age 15-49 were identified for individual interviews; interviews were completed with 41,821 women, yielding a response rate of 99% [40].
Selection and measurement of variables
Outcome
a) Early initiation of breastfeeding: This is a measure of children who were put to breast within 1 hour of delivery.
b) Exclusive breastfeeding: This is a measure of infants less than 6 months of age who were fed exclusively with breastmilk. This indicator was based on the diets of infants younger than 6 months during the 24 hour before the survey.
c) Skin-to-skin contact was measured dichotomously; “Was child put on mother's chest and bare skin after birth” yes versus no
Explanatory factors
Women’s educational attainment was measured as; no formal education, primary, secondary and higher.
Household wealth quintile was computed by DHS using principal components analysis (PCA) to assign the wealth indicator weights. In their computation, they assigned scores and standardized the wealth indicator variable using household assets including; wall, floor, roof and wall type; whether a household had improved versus unimproved sanitation amenities and water source; whether a household had essential assets such as electricity, radio, television, cooking fuel, refrigerator, furniture amongst others. Furthermore, the factor loadings and z-scores were calculated. For each household, they multiplied the indicator values by the factor loadings and summed to produce the household’s wealth index value. The standardized z-score was disentangled to classify the overall scores to wealth quintiles; poorest, poorer, middle, richer and richest [41]. Household wealth quintiles and mothers’ educational attainment were used as measures of socioeconomic status similar to previous studies [42–44].
Residential status was classified as urban versus rural.
Geographical region and states were measured thus; North Central: Benue, Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau; North East: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe; North West: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto,Zamfara; South East: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo South South: Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Rivers; South West: Ekiti, Lagos , Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo.
Ethical consideration
This study was based on an analysis of population-based data that exist in public domain and available online with all identifier information removed. The authors were granted access to use the data by MEASURE DHS/ICF International. DHS Program is consistent with the standards for ensuring the protection of respondents’ privacy. ICF International ensures that the survey complies with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations for the respect of human subjects. The DHS project sought and obtained the required ethical approval from the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) in Nigeria before the surveys were conducted. No further approval was required for this study. More details about data and ethical standards are available at http://goo.gl/ny8T6X.
Statistical analysis
Stata survey module (‘svy’) was used with adjustment for the sample design. Percentage and Chi-square test were used for summary statistics and bivariate analysis respectively. To determine socioeconomic inequalities in EBF, EIBF and SSC, we used concentration index and present it graphically with the concentration curve. When the concentration index value is positive or the curve lies below the diagonal line (line of equality), it indicates that EBF, EIBF and SSC coverage is greater among high socioeconomic groups. Conversely, when concentration index value is negative or the curve is above the line of equality, it indicates that EBF, EIBF and SSC coverage is higher among low socioeconomic groups. The concentration index was used to decipher socioeconomic inequalities using Erreygers adjustment in line with previous studies [45,46]. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Stata Version 14 (StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA) was used for data analysis.