ABSTRACT 

This work assessed the current status of awareness of exclusive breastfeeding promotion in Abia 

State. It investigated the effects of exclusive breastfeeding promotion through the Baby Friendly 

Hospital Initiative (BFHI) programme on the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive 

breastfeeding by mothers and young girls in Abia State. Two sets of questionnaires were used for 

this study. The population of the study consisted of two subsets for each questionnaire. One of 

them was made up of health workers and nursing mothers from two types of health facilities — 

designated 'Baby Friendly' (DBFH) and non designated Baby Friendly health facilities 

(NDBFH). The data collected were analyzed by cross tabulation and the use of chi-square 

statistics. Frequencies, percentages as well as correlation of variables were run on the data from 

the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire. The results showed that exclusive 

breastfeeding promotion in Abia State through the BFHI positively influenced the services 

rendered by health workers in health facilities in the state. More than sixty two percent of the 

health staff in non designated and 57.1% in designated hospitals educate mothers on 

exclusive breastfeeding every clinic day. 77.1% of the health workers from the 

designated hospitals and 65.7% from the non designated hospitals help mothers in early 

initiation by giving the mother her baby immediately after delivery to hold for skin 

contact. A significant difference ( 2 = 26.019; p<O.05) was observed in the exclusive 

breastfeeding practice of mothers who receive ante natal, delivery and post natal services from 

designated 'Baby Friendly' health facilities and those from non designated health facilities. About 

40 — 59% of mothers in the DBFH breastfeed exclusively till discharge while only 20-

39% of mothers in the NDBFH, breastfeed exclusively till discharge. Also more mothers 

(40-59%) in the designated baby friendly facilities breastfed exclusively to 6 months 

while very few mothers in the non- designated health facilities (< 10%) breastfed 

exclusively to 6 months. However no significant difference ( 2 = 2.070; p > 0.05) was 

xii observed in the services offered to mothers/babies with respct to breast feeding by health 

workers in both designated baby friendly and non designated hetith facilities. About 3 8.4% and 

23.1% of health workers respectively in each facility assisted mothers with the first breast 

feeds after delivery. Designated 'Baby Friendly' health facilities in the state hardly maintain 

their status. All the 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding' are not being fully complied with by 

the designated health facilities. Mothers and young girls in Abia state have good knowledge of 

breast feeding practices. About 86.7% of the mothers scored 75% and above while 51% of 

the girls scored between 60 — 74%. They also have a positive attitude towards breast feeding. 

BFHI establishment in Abia State increased the awareness on exclusive breastfeeding. Majority 

of mothers in Abia State stop exclusive breastfeeding early at 4 — 5 months. Only about 14% of 

Abia mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months.