Multilevel modeling analysis of bottle feeding and its determinants among children 0–23 months in East Africa: evidence from recent DHS data (2015–2022)

Despite breastfeeding recommendations, the prevalence and length of breast milk feeding in developing nations is rapidly decreasing, with bottle feeding taking its place. This reduces the effectiveness of breastfeeding and is associated with diarrheal disease mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, and determinants of bottle feeding among under-two-year-old children in the region. The ten East African countries’ Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) recent data from 2015 to 2022 was used. The data were weighted using sample weights for probability sampling and nonresponse. The study used 43,150 weighted children. A multi-level logistic regression model was used, and P - values of ≤ 0.2 and < 0.05 were used to declare candidate variables in the binary, and multivariable to declare significant variables, respectively. The prevalence of bottle feeding among children under-two-years-old in East Africa was 10.08