Demystifying Barriers to and Drivers of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice – A Cross-Sectional Study Among Mothers & Caregivers of Children Under 5 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study presents findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted among mothers and caregivers of children under 5 in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Out of the 1647 collected questionnaires, 77.5% were validated for analysis. Results reveal that 53.3% of the women were aged 20-29 years, with older adolescent mothers (18-19 years) comprising 7.8%. The majority were married (97.8%), and over two-thirds had at least primary education (69.5%). While 54.5% identified as housewives, 28.7% engaged in petty trading, and 12.3% pursued farming full-time. Table 2 in the appendix indicates good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices, with 88.4% knowing breastfeeding should start immediately after birth. However, EBF prevalence was only 33.3%, higher among women with more than secondary education (43.2%) and those aged 20-29 years (35.4%). Positive perceptions toward EBF were evident, but misconceptions persisted, impacting practice. Social norms influenced some contradictory behaviors, such as early introduction of water (51%).