Demographic Determinants of Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers in Benue State.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine demographic determinants of exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Benue State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, 10 hospitals were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling techniques (simple random, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques).
The data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. 500 questionnaires were distributed to nursing mothers who visited antenatal clinics in the randomly selected hospitals, from which 455 were duly completed and returned.
Frequencies of percentages and cross-tabulation statistics were used to answer research questions. Associations between demographic determinants and breastfeeding practices were analyzed using Chi-square statistics at an alpha level of 0.05 to test the formulated hypotheses.
The findings of the study, indicated a high (99.8%) prevalence of breastfeeding among nursing mothers, out of which 83.5% exclusively breastfed for up to 4-6 months. Only 16.5% however supplemented breastfeeding.
The findings of the study revealed that; mother’s age significantly influenced the practice of exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding of babies, indicating high exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of 25years and above, and low exclusive breastfeeding among younger mothers of 19 years and below.
The results further showed that the mother’s level of education significantly influenced the practice of exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding of babies, indicating high exclusive breastfeeding practice among literate mothers with at least secondary education.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page
Title Page……………………………………………………………………………………….i
Declaration…………………………………………………………………………………….ii
Certification …………………………………………………………………………..………iii
Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………….……iv
Acknowledgments……………………………………………………………………….……v
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………..….viii
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….…….ix
List of Tables………………………………………………………………………….……xiii
List of Appendices……………………………………………………………………….…xiv
Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………………………….xv
Operational Definition of Terms…………………………………………………….………xvi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1 Background of the Study…………………………………………….…………………….1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ……………………………………………..…………………..3
1.3 Research Questions …………………………………………………………………..……5
1.4 Purpose of the Study………………………………………………….…….……………..6
1.5 Significance of the Study……………………………………………….….………………6
1.6 Hypotheses …………………………………………………………………………..……7
1.7 Basic Assumptions…………………………………………………………..…………….8
1.8 Delimitation of the Study………………………………………………………….……….8
1.9 Limitations of the Study…………………………………………………………………..8
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction………………………………………………….……………………………10
2.2 Concept of Breast and Production of Breast Milk……………………………….………11
2.3 Exclusive Breastfeeding……………………………….………………………………….13
2.3.1 Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding …………………………………………….…….17
2.4 Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding……………………………………………………………..23
2.4.1 Benefits of Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding…………………………………..…………..26
2.4.2 Challenges of Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding…………………………………………….27
2.5 Demographic Determinants of Exclusive and Non- Exclusive Breastfeeding……..…….28
2.5.1 Breastfeeding and Mother‟s Age………………………….……………………………28
2.5.2 Breastfeeding and Mother‟s Level of Education………………………..……………..33
2.5.3 Breastfeeding and Mother‟s Occupation……………………..…………………………37
2.5.4 Breastfeeding and Mother‟s Level of Income…………………………………..………42
2.5.5 Breastfeeding and the Culture of Nursing Mothers.………………………………………44
2.6 Stages of Breast Milk……………..………………..……………………………………..49
2.7 Importance of Breast Milk in the Growth and Development of Infants………………….50
2.8 Basic Nutritional Needs of Infants……………………………………..…………………54
2.9 Summary…………………………..……………………………………………………..60
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………61
3.1 Research Design…………………………..………………………………………………61
3.2 Population…………………………………………………………………………………61
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques……………………………………..………………….61
3.4 Research Instrument…………………………………………………….………………..63
3.5 Validation……………………………………………….………………………………..64
3.6 Administration of Instrument………………………………………………….…………64
3.7 Statistical Techniques………………………………………………..……………………64
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction……………………………………….……………………………………..66
4.1 Results…………………………………………….………………………………………67
4.2 Discussion…………………………………………….………………………………….86
4.2.1 Influence of Mother‟s Age and the Practice of Exclusive and Non-Exclusive
Breastfeeding……………………………………………………………………………86
4.2.2 Influence of Mother‟s Level of Education and the Practice of Exclusive and Non-
Exclusive Breastfeeding……………………………………………….………………88
4.2.3 Influence of Mother‟s Occupation and the Practice of Exclusive and Non- Exclusive
Breastfeeding………………..………………………………………………………….89
4.2.4 Influence of Mother‟s Level of Income and the Practice of Exclusive and Non-
Exclusive Breastfeeding………………………………………………………………..91
4.2.5 Influence of Family Views Regarding the Practice of Exclusive and Non-Exclusive
Breastfeeding…………………………………..……………………………………..92
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary…………………………………………………………………………………94
5.2 Conclusion…………………………..…………………………………………………..95
5.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………………………….95
5.4 Recommendations for Future Research………………………………………………….96
References……………………………………..……………………………………………97
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study Infant feeding methods is a major determinant of infant nutritional status, which in turn, affects infant morbidity and mortality.
Among feeding methods, breastfeeding is of particular importance because this practice is fundamental for the growth, development, health, and survival of infants. Diallo, Bell, Moutquine, & Garrant (2005) stated that about 5.6 million infants die annually because they do not receive adequate nutrition.
Breastfeeding, therefore, has been classified by scientists and health workers as the best natural food for babies and breast milk contain all the necessary nutrients for the healthy growth of the child.
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous ranging from providing the infant with antibodies to helping ward off risks of illnesses and providing the baby with all his/her nutritional needs (Mundi, 2008).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2004), breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first six months of life, and it provides about half or more of a child‟s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, up to one third during the second year of life.
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