Knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers at Lira regional referral hospital, Lira city: A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/insights.v2i10.24Keywords:
knowledge, practices, exclusive breastfeeding, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira CityAbstract
Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, just 38% of babies are exclusively breastfed; in East Africa, 33%; while in Uganda, the percentage is even lower at 42%. Studies have revealed that the key drivers that hinder exclusive breastfeeding include a lack of adequate knowledge and education about breastfeeding benefits, cultural beliefs, and practices that discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, this study in Northern Uganda is still investigating the level of knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods
The study conducted was a hospital-based cross-sectional study among 272 postnatal mothers. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, with the significance level set at a p-value of less than 0.05.
Results
A total of 272 postnatal mothers were involved in the study. Of these, 186 (68.4%) had good knowledge, and 204 (75%) had good practices. 171 (62.9%) were between 18 to 25 years old, 104 (38.2%) were housewives, 120 (44.1%) had primary Education, 240 (88.2%) were married, and 129 (47.4%) had 1 child. Factors that were found significantly associated with knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding at a P-value<0.05 included; age (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), Education level (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.048), number of children (p=0.005) and place of residence (p=0.017). Religion (p=0.003) and overall knowledge (p<0.001) were significantly associated with practices of Exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion
This study found that awareness about EBF was high, with about 1 in 4 having low levels of knowledge regarding EBF. These findings highlight the importance of continued education and support to further improve knowledge and practices related to exclusive breastfeeding.
Recommendation
There should be development of educational programs that go beyond knowledge transmission, incorporating skill building and addressing common challenges faced by mothers.
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