Abstract
Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) uptake in Zimbabwe is very low. Given that EBF is a physiological process which transpires in a specific socio-economic milieu, this study investigates the socio-economic factors militating against its uptake. The study used a mixed research methodology. The concurrent nested model of mixed methods was utilized using one data collection phase, during which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. The research noted that factors such as low education, low income, gender inequalities, social influence, and traditional practices were hindering the uptake of exclusive breast feeding. The study envisages that it is pertinent for infant feeding programs to address socio-economic barriers to EBF in order to influence a positive uptake. The potential interventions include increasing men's involvement, raising awareness on EBF, and strengthening the Village Health Worker Program.
Highlights
The infant mortality rate in Zimbabwe which is at 97 deaths per 1,000 is significantly high.[1, 2] Paradoxically, exclusive breast feeding (EBF), which is one of the major interventions to this social catastrophe which is recommended, free, accessible, sustainable and safe[3] is not far from the reach of many rural women but is being underutilized.[4]
In view of the fact that EBF is a physiological process which transpires in a specific socio-economic milieu, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the socio-economic factors that hinders its uptake among rural women in Zimbabwe
The high composition of mothers in the 20-25 age groups confirms the findings of the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey which reported a high fertility rate among women from the age of 20-25.[9]
Summary
The infant mortality rate in Zimbabwe which is at 97 deaths per 1,000 is significantly high.[1, 2] Paradoxically, exclusive breast feeding (EBF), which is one of the major interventions to this social catastrophe which is recommended, free, accessible, sustainable and safe[3] is not far from the reach of many rural women but is being underutilized.[4] A large body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of EBF infant feeding practice for child survival, growth, and development.[4] This is premised on its high immunological, nutritional and hygienic value as compared to other liquids, solids and bottled infant milk formulas.[5] Lack of EBF is associated with high incidences of diarrhoea, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, bacteraemia, respiratory tract infection, necrotizing enteri colitis and malnutrition.[6] These in turn are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in the lifelong associated with poor school performance, impaired intellectual and social development.[4, 5, 6]
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