ABSTRACT

The decision to breastfeed is largely dependent on mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and

attitude. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is still low among nursing mothers in

developing countries. This descriptive cross sectional study was designed to assess the

breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practices of 243 lactating mothers in Ufuma,

Orumba North LGA of Anambra, Nigeria. A well-structured and validated breastfeeding

knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was

analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation was used to determine the

relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice of EBF among lactating mothers in

Ufuma community. Most of the community mothers (66.5%) were about 18-35 years, of

which only about 42.5% attend hospital/health centers as it was their source of exclusive

breastfeeding awareness while 31.6% and 14.0% heard about exclusive breastfeeding

from friends/relatives and mothers respectively. Majority (93.8%). of the respondents

were aware of exclusive breastfeeding, however only (61.7%) knew the correct definition

of exclusive breastfeeding. A little above half (56.4%) knew that colostrum should be

given to a baby. Most (69.5%) of the lactating women think that EBF will make their

breast fall, while 71.4% think that women with small breast cannot produce sufficient

breast milk. Few (21.4%) did not give other fluids during the first six months, a little

below half (45.7%) started breastfeeding within the first hour of the baby's life.

Generally, only (41.2%) had a fair knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, 87.2% of the

respondents were undecided on their attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding while

63.4% have a good practice of exclusive breastfeeding. There was a weak (0.3 14)

relationship between the attitude of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding and

knowledge of the mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. There is need for intervention

programs which support and promote optimal breastfeeding knowledge and practice.