Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending an Infant Welfare Clinic in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Sola Odu

doi:10.11648/j.ejpm.20160402.13

Abstract

There is much concerns that despite the “Innocenti Declaration” and all efforts to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria, the prevalence of malnutrition and infant mortality is high. The study determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nursing mothers in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study design was cross sectional. A total of 328 nursing mothers attending infant welfare clinics were recruited from selected four health centres in Osogbo Local Government Area by convenience sampling method. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of respondents. Data were analyzed using Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16. About 97.6% of the respondents were aware of EBF, but only 64.6% had adequate knowledge. Majority of the respondents (92.7%) learnt about EBF from health workers. Attitude to EBF was good as reported by 75.6% of respondents who practiced EBF on demand. About 73.8% of respondents practiced EBF. The respondents have good knowledge and attitude of EBF. The practice of EBF was equally good however less than one third used either water or herbs during EBF before six months.

Highlights

Breastfeeding is the means by which nutrition is provided, for the healthy growth and development of infants by putting the nipple of the mother’s breast into the mouth of the baby. [1] It is an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. [2] Breastfeeding contributes to the health and wellbeing of mothers, helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian and of breast cancers and increases family and natural resources. [1] It is a secured way of feeding infants and it is safe for the environment
The study was conducted at Osogbo Local government area (LGA) in Osun State located in south western Nigeria
About 75% knew that Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) should be initiated immediately after birth; 82.3% knew that EBF should be given on demand by the baby, while 73.8% thought that herbs should be given during EBF and 35.4% did not give correct response to duration of EBF, 92.7% of respondents learnt EBF from health workers

Summary

Introduction

Breastfeeding is the means by which nutrition is provided, for the healthy growth and development of infants by putting the nipple of the mother’s breast into the mouth of the baby. [1] It is an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. [2] Breastfeeding contributes to the health and wellbeing of mothers, helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian and of breast cancers and increases family and natural resources. [1] It is a secured way of feeding infants and it is safe for the environment. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as the practice of giving no other food or drink except breast milk for the first six months of life to the newborn. In Nigeria, many changes in infant feeding practices have occurred over time, due to the introduction of alien cultures and values, urbanization with consequent changes in lifestyle and adoption of foreign practices by members of the society. All these have affected the practice of breastfeeding and use of breast milk substitutes.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion