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Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Rural Farming Households of Akwa Ibom State

Edem, I. F. and Asa, U. A.

Abstract

This study examined the factors associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding in rural farming households of Akwa Ibom State. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the demographic characteristics of mothers, ascertain their exclusive breastfeeding practices, and determine the factors linked with exclusive breastfeeding practices among the respondents. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select two hundred and sixty-one (261) mothers for the study. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Factor Analysis. The findings revealed that majority (52.1%) of the respondents were aged 21-30 years, predominantly Christian (87.9%), and highly educated with majority (33.8%) having tertiary education. Farming (60.0%) was the most common occupation, and majority (90.8%) were from a nuclear family background. Furthermore, it was revealed that majority (83.8%) of the respondents did not take advice from health personnel before breastfeeding, majority (89.2%) gave pre-lacteal feeds to their last child, majority (51.7%) commenced breastfeeding in an interval of more than one hour, while majority (52.1%) breastfed their child on demand. Factor analysis revealed that the significant factors associated with EBF among the respondents were knowledge about EBF, attitude towards EBF, employment status, and type of healthcare services available. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among others, that targeted, community-based awareness campaigns be intensified through verified health agencies, extension agents, and NGOs to increase and deepen the knowledge of mothers on correct and consistent EBF practices.

References

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