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.
Highlights
Breastfeeding has been identified as a critical natural intervention designed to support the nutrition of infant and young children, and contribute significantly to their growth and development
The sampling frame used was the total number of Women of Childbearing Age (WCA) in Ganga Gari community of
This survey provides an insight into breastfeeding knowledge and practice in typical northern Nigerian rural communities, and the findings are noteworthy
Summary
Breastfeeding has been identified as a critical natural intervention designed to support the nutrition of infant and young children, and contribute significantly to their growth and development. The Declaration goes further to point out the unparalleled benefits of breast milk alone in the first six months of life when given without water or any other foods except prescribed drugs and supplements. This practice is Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) and it has both health and nutritional advantages for the young infant as well as economic benefits for the community and the country at large. The prevention of malnutrition will not be complete without considering adequate IYCF practices including EBF This is why EBF has been identified as one of the essential nutrition interventions required to
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