Knowledge and Attitude of Nursing Mothers on Exclusive Breastfeeding
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
Main objective
The main objective of the study is to find out the perception on exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers.
Specific Objectives
- Assess the level of Breastfeeding mothers’ views about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
- Determine the level of breastfeeding mother’s views about barriers to exclusive breastfeeding
- Find the feelings towards exclusive breastfeeding
- Identify the behaviour of participants
- Investigate any kind of support for breastfeeding mothers on exclusive breastfeeding.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Breastfeeding practices
The determinants of children’s growth include genetic potentialities, family size, lifestyle, socio-economic environment, infections, nutrition and the availability of medical care. However, nutrition is the most prominent factor which can either directly or indirectly influences children’s future development. For instance, those children who are malnourished and manage to survive do not enjoy a good health and experience impaired development in the long run. Along, there is a rising concern about overweight and obesity in children. Therefore, proper nutrition and nurturing during the early years of life is crucial for an infant to achieve optimal health and well-being. Hence, there is no more precious gift in infancy than breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mother. Saha et al. reported that the current recommendations of WHO and UNICEF on breastfeeding are as follows:
Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after the birth
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
- Continued breastfeeding for two years or more and proper introduction of solid foods starting in the sixth month which are nutritionally safe and adequate
Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months has many benefits for the infant and mother. Chief among these is protection against gastrointestinal infections which is observed not only in developing but also industrialized countries. Early initiation of breastfeeding, within 1 hour of birth, protects the newborn from acquiring infections and reduces newborn mortality. The risk of mortality due to diarrhoea and other infections can increase in infants who are either partially breastfed or not breastfed at all.
Breast-milk is also an important source of energy and nutrients in children aged 6–23 months. It can provide half or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and one third of energy needs between 12 and 24 months. Breast milk is also a critical source of energy and nutrients during illness, and reduces mortality among children who are malnourished.
Children and adolescents who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. Additionally, they perform better on intelligence tests and have higher school attendance. Breastfeeding is associated with higher income in adult life. Improving child development and reducing health costs results in economic gains for individual families as well as at the national level.(1)
Longer durations of breastfeeding also contribute to the health and well-being of mothers: it reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer and helps space pregnancies–exclusive breastfeeding of babies under 6 months has a hormonal effect which often induces a lack of menstruation. This is a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control known as the Lactation Amenorrhoea Method.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine a knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. Selected nursing mothers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding
Summary
This study was on knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. Five objectives were raised which included: Assess the level of Breastfeeding mothers’ views about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, Determine the level of breastfeeding mother’s views about barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, Find the feelings towards exclusive breastfeeding, Identify the behaviour of participants and Investigate any kind of support for breastfeeding mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected nursing mothers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding highlights several key findings. It is evident that while many mothers possess adequate knowledge regarding the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, there remains a gap in translating this knowledge into practice. Attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding are generally positive, but barriers such as cultural beliefs, lack of support, and misinformation continue to hinder its widespread adoption.
Recommendations:
- Implement targeted educational programs aimed at increasing awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the health and well-being of both the infant and the mother.
- Establish support groups or networks where nursing mothers can share experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement from peers and healthcare professionals. Providing a supportive environment can help alleviate doubts and fears associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
- Offer comprehensive training to healthcare providers, including nurses, midwives, and doctors, on the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing accurate information and guidance to mothers, and their support can significantly influence breastfeeding practices.
- Work towards addressing cultural beliefs and practices that may discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Engage with community leaders, religious organizations, and other influential figures to promote a cultural shift towards embracing exclusive breastfeeding as the norm.
- Advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, such as providing adequate break times and private spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Employers should be encouraged to create breastfeeding-friendly environments to enable mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work
References
- Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding pratice part 3. WHO, Geneva; 2010.
- Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: WHO, Geneva; 2010.
- http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/. 2014. [Accessed on January 2015].
- Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Collecting and Using Data: A Step-by-Step Guide: Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. [CARE]; 2010.
- Central Statistical Agency [Ethiopia] and ICF International. Ethiopia demographic and health survey, 2011. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Calverton, Maryland, USA: Central Statistical Agency and ICF International; 2012.
- Al-Binali AM. Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practice among school teachers in Abha female educational district, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Int Breastfeed J. 2012;7:10.
- Babakazo P, Donnen P, Akilimali P, Mala-Ali NM, Okitolonda E. Predictors of discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding before six months among mothers in Kinshasa:a prospective study. Int Breastfeed J. 2015;10:19.
