KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG NURSING MOTHERS IN EKOSODIN COMMUNITY, OVIE NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Ekosodin community, Ovie North East L.G.A, Edo State. Three research questions were formulated and evaluated in this study. Related literature was reviewed.The descriptive survey research was adopted in this study. The target population for this study were nursing mothers in Ekosodin community, Ovie North East L.G.A located in the capital of Edo State, Nigeria. The sample size for this study was 100 respondents. The research instrument that was used to solicit the desired information from the respondent for this study was a self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts in the department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The test-retest method was adopted to ascertain the reliability of the instrument which involves the administration of the instrument to twenty (20) respondents within a two week interval who were not part of the study. The questionnaires were administered to the 100 respondents and retrieved immediately after completion to ascertain consistency. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage for
the research questions raised. This study revealed that although there is high level of EBF knowledge, however, few mothers have positive attitude towards EBF while the practice is generally low, and need urgent attention as exclusive breastfeeding practices are effective ways of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
Base on the findings of the study, it was recommended that exclusive breastfeeding education and awareness programme should be incorporated as part of both antenatal and postnatal programme for mothers to be educated and provided with accurate information about EBF, what it entails and its benefits to the infants, mothers, communities etc., and in addressing some EBF myths and misconceptions. Note that accurate information and supportive counselling are key to empowering mothers to make informed decisions about EBF. Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment (BFE) should be advocated for mothers which encourages breastfeeding. BFE entails privacy (quiet, comfortable and spacious), comfort (safe, clean, cosy area with adequate seating and hydration), supportive (access to lactation consultants, EBF resources), promotion (visible promotion of EBF through signage and literature), protection (free from discrimination and harassment). Creating a BFE empowers mothers to breastfeed confidently and comfortably, promoting a culture that values and supports breastfeeding.