ABSTRACT

This cross sectional study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice towards exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in Arochukwu L.G.A of Abia State. Systematic sampling was used to select 240 lactating mothers with infants aged 0-6 months from the health centres in the local government. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice of breastfeeding from the breastfeeding mothers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and Chi square. From the result, 39.2% of the women were within the age range of 21-30 years, 60.4% were secondary school holders and 38.3% of their husbands were farmers. According to their monthly income, 32.5% earned above N33,000 naira and some 43.3% had only one child. Majority (82.5%) fed their babies directly from the breast and 55.4% initiated breast milk less than thirty minute after birth. Majority (64.2%) of the women had good knowledge of breastfeeding, while 95% had negative attitude towards it. Majority (91.7%) fed their baby breast milk the previous night prior to interview. Most, 37.9% and 35.8% fed their babies glucose water and plain water respectively. Therefore, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding by changing the attitude of the mothers toward it is essential as to reduce infant mortality and improve infant development worldwide. Also, mothers should be assured that in the first six months of life, breast milk alone is sufficient for proper growth and protection against infection.