Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding amongst Mothers Attending Infant Welfare Clinic, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding amongst breastfeeding mothers attending Infant Welfare Clinic, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti Nigeria. The Self-efficacy theory was used as the theoretical foundation for the study. The research design was non-experimental descriptive research design. The sample size was calculated using the Yaro Yamane formula created in 1967 and the sample size was 120. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Sampling technique was purposive and convenience. Data from the study was analyzed using descriptive statistics with frequency distributions, Tables and percentages. The findings revealed that almost half (48.8%) of the participants’ decision to breastfeed was influence by Doctors/Midwives. Also, more than two-third (86.2%) of the participant indicated that they had access to information on breastfeeding. The majority (63%) of the participants in the study were well knowledgeable as they were able to define exclusive breastfeeding and 66.3% are aware of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Also, almost half (46.3%) of the participants breastfed their babies so as to ensure their wellbeing and 75.0% initiated breastfeeding immediately and within few hours after birth although the majority (58.8%) of the participants weaned their babies between 1-4 months. The socio-economic status of mothers was found to influence their decision to exclusively breastfeed their babies as almost all (87.3%) the participants that are practising exclusive breastfeeding had tertiary education and more than two third (74.6%) are employed with higher family income. The study recommended that Nurses and midwives should create more awareness on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to mothers and the community at large.