Influence of Community Based Counsellors and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Ile – Ife, Nigeria

Olorunfemi Akinbode Ogundele

doi:10.11648/j.ejpm.20160403.14

Abstract

In spite of breastfeeding being almost universal in Nigeria, exclusive breastfeeding rate is low. Poor practices remain a major cause of neonatal and infant mortality. Community Integrated Management of Childhood illness (CIMCI) is a programme that employs the use of community based counsellors to address these challenges. The study assessed the effect of community based counsellor on breastfeeding practices of mothers and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Ile-Ife, South-west, Nigeria. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in two Local Government Areas (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. The study enrolled 722 mothers of index under five children through a multi stage cluster sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Approximately 94% of children in the CIMCI implementing LGA were exclusively breastfed compared to 76.1% in the non-implementing LGA (p<0.001). Maternal age, maternal education level, family size, Initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth and residence in CIMCI-implementing LGA were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. It was concluded that community based counselling has a positive effect on breastfeeding practices. Community based ‘baby friendly’ breastfeeding initiative is suggested.

Highlights

Breastfeeding infants exclusively for six months, is vital for optimal growth and development of infants
The high and statistically significant difference between the two Local Government Areas (LGA) may not be unconnected with the activity of the community based counsellors working under the Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (CIMCI) programme as the rate of breastfeeding initiation from the nonimplementing LGA is similar to the national average from Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2008
The initial acceptance of formula feeding as a pre-lacteal feed is an important consideration for the promotion of both breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. [12]

Summary

Introduction

Breastfeeding infants exclusively for six months, is vital for optimal growth and development of infants. As part of the initiative Community Resource Persons (CORPs) were trained and equipped to provide information on appropriate child health practices at the household and community level. The core message conveyed by these CORPs was appropriate breastfeeding practices such as breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life, initiating breastfeeding within an hour of birth and avoiding pre-lacteal feeds etc. They formed breastfeeding support groups and assisted mothers experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. This community based counsellors have operated for more than six years in communities and households to promote appropriate breast feeding practices. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of community based counsellor on breastfeeding practices of mothers and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion