Attitudes towards Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Igbanke Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State

Abstract

This study investigated attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Igbanke community in Orhionmwon local government area, Edo State. The descriptive survey design was used in the study. The target population of consisted of 1200 mothers in Igbanke community of Orhionmwon local government area in Edo State. A sample size of 120 mothers representing 10% of the study population was selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire scale titled “Attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding among mothers questionnaire (AEBMQ)” data collection was done over a period of five (5) alternate days. Out of the 120 questionnaire administered, 114 were retrieved indicating 95% retrieval rate. Analysis of data was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 16. Results revealed that majority of the mothers had negative attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding; the major factors influencing the attitude of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding include their poor knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, poverty and busy job schedule. There is therefore the need for health workers and other health care professionals to encourage mothers to practice exclusive breast feeding to adequately.