Impact of Socio-Demographic Variables on Maternal Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices: A Cross-Sectional Investigation in The Gambia

Abstract

Background: Despite substantial evidence emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding, there is room for improvement in its prevalence in The Gambia, which currently stands at approximately 80% - 90%. Globally recognized as the preferred approach to infant feeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until the age of two years. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers attending antenatal care at Fajikunda Health Center (FkHC) in The Gambia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at FkHC, involving a randomly selected sample of 500 maternal mothers. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using both structured and unstructured questionnaires. Results: The study findings indicated that both the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among maternal mothers were 99%. Most respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25, with 58% being married. Regarding education, 18% had primary education, 46% had secondary education, 20% had no formal education, and 16% had a diploma or university education. Additionally, 34% of the infants included in the study were less than one month old. Conclusion: The study concludes that maternal knowledge and practice of breastfeeding were high. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and occupation were found to significantly influence the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among