Mengistu, Zuriash(PhD)Amare, Muluken2018-07-172023-11-062018-07-172023-11-062015-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8818Back ground: Despite the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding, the prelacteal feeding is widely practiced in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prelactal feeding and associated factors among mothers of children less than one year age in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study with mixed method was employed. Four hundred eighty seven (487) mothers of children aged less than 12 months were selected by multistage randomized sampling technique. The quantitative data was collected by using Interview based structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the factors associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors. Qualitative data was collected by focus group discussion and analyzed using thematic frameworks. Result: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was (21.9% ) in Mizan- Aman town. The common type of prelactal food was water with tenea adam/rue 49(10.1%). The major reason were; 49(10.1%) Cultural practice followed by 45 (9.3%) to clean infants bowel/throat/mouth. Mothers who did know on the risks associated with prelacteal feeding, multipara mothers, having ≥4 number of children and infant’s birth order 4-6 were important positive predictors of prelacteal feeding practice. Conclusion & Recommendation: Prelacteal feeding is commonly practiced in Mizan- Aman town. Mothers who did know on the risks associated with prelacteal feeding, multipara mother, having ≥4 number of children and infant’s birth order 4-6 were important positive predictors of prelacteal feeding practice. Promotion of behavioral change communication activities on avoidance of prelactal feeding, Promotion of intensive nutrition education program by giving special emphasis to multipara mothers and should be implemented in the health facility and community based by health extension workers and researcher should consider further follow up study in prelactal feeding in Mizan-Aman town is recommended. Key words: prelactal feeding, Children aged less than 12 months, Mizan-AmaenPrelactal feedingChildren aged less than 12 monthsMizan-AmanThesis