Abstract
Background: The decision to breastfeed is largely dependent on mothers’ breastfeeding knowledge and attitude which are usually formed in their adolescence and early adulthood. It is important to focus research on female young adult who are at the verge of stepping into motherhood. Methods: The breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention of 457 female young adults in Ibadan, Nigeria were assessed through validated breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention scales. Results: Majority (87.5%) of the respondents had never given birth and 74.6% had previously participated in breastfeeding discussions. About half (52.1%) knew breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of birth while 49.9% reported that pre-lacteal feed should not be given to newborn babies. Correct definition of exclusive breastfeeding was given by two-third of the respondents and three-quarter specified that breastfeeding was beneficial to both mother and child. Overall 43.1% of the respondents had good breastfeeding knowledge. About 80% of the respondents agreed that breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour after delivery, 37.8% were of the opinion that breast milk only was not sufficient for infants in the first 6 months of life while about half of the respondents agreed that water should be introduced to babies before 6 months. In all, 53.8% had positive attitude towards breastfeeding. Only a third of the respondents had good breastfeeding intention although 90.6% claimed that they intended to breastfeed. Only 35.9% indicated to have known all it took to breastfeed and 54% intended to introduce breastmilk within 1 hour of birth while 60% had the intention of breastfeeding exclusively. There was significant association between breastfeeding knowledge and attitude as well as breastfeeding knowledge and intention. Conclusion: Female young adult demonstrated relatively fair breastfeeding knowledge and attitude but poor intention to breastfeed. Intervention to improve breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention of this population is recommended.
Highlights
Malnutrition contributes to more than half of global under-five childhood deaths and well over two-thirds of these deaths which occur in the first year of life are often associated with inappropriate feeding practices [1]
There is a dearth of similar research in Nigeria focusing on female young adults who are at the verge of stepping into motherhood
Findings from this study have provided us with information on breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention among future Nigerian mothers
Summary
Malnutrition contributes to more than half of global under-five childhood deaths and well over two-thirds of these deaths which occur in the first year of life are often associated with inappropriate feeding practices [1]. Breastfeeding intention of future parents could be greatly influenced by their current knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding Following this reasoning, Marrone and colleagues had pointed out the need to understand young adults’ breastfeeding knowledge and attitude [7]. Marrone and colleagues had pointed out the need to understand young adults’ breastfeeding knowledge and attitude [7] This is because attitude which eventually influences practice toward breastfeeding is formed early in life [8]. There is a dearth of similar research in Nigeria focusing on female young adults who are at the verge of stepping into motherhood This is important in addressing childhood malnutrition through optimum breastfeeding of mothers especially in Nigeria, where suboptimal breastfeeding practices are widespread. The aim of this study is to assess breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and intention of female young adults in Ibadan, Nigeria. Intervention to improve breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention of this population is recommended
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