Attitudes, Roles, and Community Perspectives Regarding Male Involvement in Breastfeeding in Juba, South Sudan

Abstract

There is growing awareness that fathers’ infant-feeding preferences may influence mothers’ intentions to breastfeed and help promote optimal breastfeeding. Despite this understanding, fathers are not part of most breastfeeding promotion strategies such as ‘mother-to-mother’ support groups. This study examined male partners’ breastfeeding attitudes, roles, and community views on male involvement through quantitative and qualitative methods. We interviewed 275 fathers of children aged <2 years, 15 key informants, and five focus groups to learn from the community. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0; and thematically to generate frequency tables, median, interquartile range, and repeating patterns. Above 70% of fathers agreed that breastfeeding did not harm marriage or reduce women’s attractiveness. Breastfeeding in public is also accepted, and responsibilities are shared. The study also found support for >80% of the critical roles, including housework, baby care, and holding and watching the mother breastfeed. Education level was significantly associated with breastfeeding attitudes (r=-0.207 p =0.001<0.05) and roles (r=0.308, p=0.001<0.05). Employment status was also significantly associated with attitudes (r=0.184, p=0.003<0.05) and roles in breastfeeding (r=-0.155, p=0.007<0.05). However, there was no significant association between hours of work and the attitudes/roles of male partners in breastfeeding (r=-0.074, p=0.125>0.05 and r=0.049, p=0.224>0.05, respectively). The key barriers that emerge included challenging patriarchy, gender role segregation; Sexism; false beliefs; and work-related, social, economic, and personal factors. The major cultural hurdles that emerged signify the need to develop context-specific strategies to dispel myths about male breastfeeding involvement and promote supporting practices.