Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Women of Childbearing Age in Ganga Gari Community of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) within the first 6 months of life is one of the critical and life-saving natural interventions which promote growth, development and protection of the young infant. However, its prevalence is generally low and this becomes a problem in places like northern Nigeria where poverty is high and malnutrition is common. In this study, the level of knowledge and practice of EBF; level of association between knowledge, practice and antenatal care; and common barriers to EBF among women of childbearing age in Ganga Gari community of Katsina State of Nigeria are determined. Data was collected through interviewer-administered, structured questionnaires; and participants were recruited based on systematic random sampling. Sample size was 200 women while data was analyzed predominantly through descriptive statistics and Chi- squared analysis. The results reveal that Participants generally had adequate knowledge of EBF (54.5%) while only 13% (95% CI) practiced it. Knowledge of EBF and tribe/ethnicity were weakly associated with practice of EBF. Antenatal care was not associated with either knowledge or practice of EBF. The most commonly identified barrier to EBF was a perception that breast milk alone is inadequate to meet an infant’s nutritional needs. In conclusion, Knowledge of EBF is increasing but this has not strongly influenced its practice because of deeply-held socio-cultural beliefs about breastfeeding. Interventions that target these beliefs and perceptions are more likely to have an impact in improving EBF rates. Antenatal care services need to be designed to be effective enough to improve both knowledge and practice of EBF.