Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Nursing Mothers in Afijio Local Government Area, Southwest, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is public health intervention strategy for child health development and growth from birth to weaning period. It is recommended for nursing mothers during Health promotion sessions by Health Educators according to WHO AND UNICEF guidelines at various health facilities. Nigeria recorded 17.5% prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding despite regional variations. This is relatively low to WHO recommendations. Hitherto no study has been conducted in Afijio Local Government, South west of Nigeria for prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Hence the aim of this study is to evaluate Knowledge, Altitude and Practice of exclusive breastfeeding by distribution of questionnaires to nursing mothers in Afijio Local Government areas. Methodology: a cross sectional study of randomly selected 172 nursing mothers from Ilora, Awe, Jobele/ Akinmoorin and Fiditi of Afijio Local Government Area. Data analysis was employed by frequency, relative frequency and simple percentage. Results: A total number of 172 nursing mothers were interviewed with mean age of 33 ± 4.0 years. The literacy level is 97%. The employment rate is 65%. Formal education received on knowledge of exclusive breast feeding by respondents (Prevalence) is 89.0 %. The altitude of the participants on benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is 78.5%. Finally, practice of breastfeeding especially within first hours of birth is 84%. Conclusion: There is need for more support from local government’s health authority on exclusive breast feeding in Afijio Local Government Areas. Thus training courses should be provided to skilled birth attendants for skilled support to breastfeeding mothers.