ABSTRACT

Exclusive breast-feeding is internationally the preferred way of feeding infants during the first 6 months of their lives, and is recognized as being one of the most natural and best forms of preventive medicine. Early and exclusive breastfeeding is widely regarded as an important intervention that reduces neonatal, infant, and child mortality, and remains a basis for child survival strategies. The fact that preventable problems such as nipple cracks and breast engorgement were identified as risk factors for the initiation and sustenance of exclusive breastfeeding during babies’ first week of life leaves much to be investigated regarding the health education received by these women during pregnancy and after delivery. Pain in the nipple or breast is linked to incorrect breastfeeding techniques. Failure to latch on is one of the main reasons for ineffective feeding and can lead to infant health concerns. This study looks at the challenges of exclusive breast feeding among women in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The participants were one hundred and ninety-three (193) respondents. The study adopted multi-stage sampling techniques using Cluster sampling method, simple random and systematic sampling techniques for the study. The results show that mothers’ have influence on their daughters’ decision whether to practice or not to practice exclusive breast feeding. Also, the nature of nursing mothers’ works has negative

influence on the practice of EBF. one of the major challenges militating against the practice of EBF is the nature of mothers’ occupation, cheapness in local baby feeds. Based on the finding it was recommended that parents should be educated on the impacts of EBF earlier on before delivery and creation of adequate awareness and enlightenment programme to mothers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  INTRODUCTION   …………………………....……...…………….............…….1

1.1 Background of the study   ..........................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of research problem    ………………...............………………….............…...5

1.3 Research question………………………..........….......…………………….........……….7

1.4 Research objectives  …………………………........…………........……........……...….7       

1.5 Significance of the study    ……………………................…………………..............……..8

1.6 Scope of the study             ……………………...............…………………….............…..9

CHAPTER TWO                           

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Introduction    ………………………………………………………................................10

2.2Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Nursing  Mothers…...........................10

2.3Attitude of Mothers towards Exclusive Breastfeeding  ……….......................................……..... 13

2.4Challenges of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers…................................………..... 14

2.5 How to Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Kaduna South Local Government Area....15 

2.6 Theoretical Framework      …………………..............…………………......................…..…. 18 

2.6.1 Health Belief Model         …………………………………….......................………….….18

CHAPTER THREE

Methodology

3.1 Location of the study        ……………….......................…........……….……………………….24

3.2 Study Population and Sampling technique    ……………….................................……..........….24

3.3Method of data collection . ………................................……………………………......………27

3.4 Method of data analysis     …………...............................…..………………………..….......….28

3.5 Problems encountered in the field          ……..................................…………………….....………..28 

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Introduction   ……………………………………..............................……………….....……30

4.1.1 Socio- demographic characteristics of respondents        …..........................................……...….….. 31

4.2 Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Nursing Mothers          ......................35

4.3 Attitude of Mothers towards Exclusive Breastfeeding       .................................................................42

4.4 Challenges of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers    ……..................................................…48

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of findings         ..........................................................................................................56

5.2 Discussion of major findings       ………..........................………………………...............……... 58

5.3 Conclusion     ………………...........................……………………………………............….....61

5.4 Recommendations   …………………...........................……………..…………….............…....62

REFERENCES    ……………………...............................………………………………...........…..64

Appendix I:   Questionnaire       ………..........................................…………………………...........…70

Appendix II:   In-depth Interview Guide                  ………………......................................……...........…74