Abstract
BackgroundSeveral lifelong maternal, child and societal health benefits have been associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). However, despite all the potential advantages, EBF rates have been consistently low in developing countries, including South Africa. It has been suggested that the knowledge, attitudes and practices of male partners in relation to EBF are amongst the important factors that contribute to the success of EBF practices. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men in Botshabelo, Free State province, South Africa, regarding EBF.MethodsThis study was designed as a cross-sectional analytical study that utilised a structured questionnaire administered to 200 adult men attending the outpatient department of a district hospital, in the Free State province, South Africa.ResultsThe majority (n = 83; 41.5%) of participants had poor knowledge of EBF but reported positive attitudes (n = 153, 76.5%) and good practices (n = 151, 75.5%) towards EBF, respectively. Age, levels of education, employment status, marital status and whether the participant accompanied his partner to the antenatal clinic were associated with adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices in relation to EBF (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study revealed a suboptimal level of knowledge on EBF in men in Botshabelo. Most men had positive attitudes and reported good practices in relation to EBF. Our findings highlight the need for targeted community-based intervention programmes directed to educating and promoting positive social and cultural change in relation to EBF amongst men in Botshabelo.
Highlights
Several lifelong maternal, child and societal health benefits have been associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)
It has been reported that the knowledge of a male partner about breastfeeding can directly influence mother’s attitude towards EBF.[20]
We found that married men, and those who cohabited with their partners reported having adequate knowledge of EBF, compared to the other relationship statuses (p = 0.027); only 27.7% of those who reported to be married had adequate knowledge
Summary
Child and societal health benefits have been associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Child and societal health benefits have been associated with EBF.[1] Recent data suggest that EBF can substantially mitigate the risk of both short- and long-term health defects, such as stunted growth and impaired cognitive ability.[2] optimal breastfeeding has been reported to prevent around 12% of deaths in the under 5 years age group every year, amounting to around 800 000 lives being saved in low- and middle-income countries.[3] despite all the potential advantages, the practice of EBF is consistently low in sub-Saharan Africa.[4] Factors such as poor understanding and cultural perceptions of EBF, as well as conflicts between traditional beliefs and EBF, have been identified as barriers to the sustainability of EBF on the continent.[5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
