Gap between knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants in Enugu

Chinawa JM; Ubesie AC; Chinawa AT; Ilechukwu GC; Eke CB; Nwogu UB; Obu HA; Ezewosu O

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Gap between knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants in Enugu

Chinawa Jm , Ubesie Ac, Chinawa At, Ilechukwu Gc, Eke Cb , Nwogu Ub, Obu Ha, Ezewosu O

Abstract :

Background:

The exclusive eastfeeding rate in Nigeria has remained low.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of, and practice of exclusive (EBF) eastfeeding among mothers of infants attending the Children Out–patients Clinic.

Methods: An observational cross–sectional study of 107 mothers of infants attending the Children Out–patients of the UNTH Enugu over three months.

Results:

One hundred and seven mothers of infants attending the Children Out–patients Clinic were included in the data analysis. One hundred and three correctly defined EBF. However, only 59 of the 107 mothers (55.1%) practiced or were practicing exclusive eastfeeding in the index infants There was a difference in the proportion of mothers that correctly defined EBF and the proportion that were actually practicing EBF (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The exclusive eastfeeding rate in this study was 55.1%. There exists a gap between knowledge and practice of EBF among mothers of infants in Enugu