Assessment of knowledge, attitude and prevalence of mothers towards exclusive breast-feeding at postnatal clinic of Kampala International University –Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District
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Date
2017
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Allied Health Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, in addition to its continuation with the addition of supplementary foods until 2 years or more (World Health Organization, 2008).
Aim: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude of mothers towards exclusive breast-feeding at postnatal clinic of Kampala International University –Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design.
Results: According to the findings of this study, the biggest number of respondents 38(44.19%) were in the age bracket of 26-30 years, 44(51.16%) were Banyankore by tribe, 65(75.58%) were married, 49(56.98%) were employed while only a third reported not to have attended formal education. The prevalence of EBF among women in this study was (55.17%) and the practice was found more among those aged between 26-30 (47.37%) and 31-35 (53.33%), Baganda (80.00%), Banyoro (62.50%), single women (52.38%), non-employed (72.97%) and those who never attended formal education. Nearly half of the respondents 48.26% had knowledge about exclusive breast feeding while majority of women in this study (54.53%) had a negative attitude towards EBF where 91.86% of the women believed that EBF causes the breasts to become flat, while 22.09% believed that EBF causes respiratory tract infections for the baby and 67.44% of the women were comfortable with extra feeding other than breast milk for a child less than 6 months.
Conclusion: The prevalence of EBF among women in this study was low and the practice was found more among those aged above 26 years, Baganda and Banyoro, single women, non-employed and those who never attended formal education. On average, nearly half of the respondents had knowledge about exclusive breast feeding while majority of women in this study had a negative attitude towards EBF.
Recommendations: Increased sensitization of mothers through health education talks at the health facilities. In addition, similar studies should also be carried but covering larger sample sizes.
Description
A research report submitted to the School Of Allied Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health of Kampala International University
Keywords
Mothers, Exclusive breast-feeding, Postnatal clinic, Kampala International University –Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District