Using Health Locus Of Control Model To Predict Exclusive Breastfeeding Supportive Practices Among Primiparous And Multiparous Fathers In Abia State University, Uturu:- Opara, Godswill M

ABSTRACT xi Regardless of the magnitude of well-grounded breastfeeding benefits and all its recommendations, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding continues to decline. This study aims to assess the use of health locus of control model to predict exclusive breastfeeding supportive practices among primiparous and multiparous fathers. This will greatly help to understand their beliefs and intentions regarding exclusive breastfeeding because their involvement can significantly impact breastfeeding initiation and duration. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire where data was collected at a single point in time or over a short period. The sample size of this study was determined by using the Cochran’s formula and was given as 177 fathers. This study explores the socio-economic, demographic, and health locus of control (HLC) factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices among primiparous and multiparous fathers at Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. The findings reveal that, 49.2% offathers fall within the 36- 45 years age range, with most identifying as Igbo (83.1%) and Christian (100%). A high percentage (77.4%) of fathers have tertiary education, and 86.4% reported that their children were exclusively breastfed. Notably, primiparous fathers exhibit a stronger internal locus of control (1.75 ± 0.40) compared to multiparous fathers (1.33 ± 0.59), suggesting first-time fathers feel more responsibility and engagement in breastfeeding practices. From the study, most fathers (27.1%) indicated that; support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is needed to enhance exclusive breastfeeding supportive practices offathers. A busy schedule is the most cited barrier to EBF support (45.2%). Emotional support, particularly in making mothers happy and providing encouragement, is identified as the most perceived impact (34.5%) of support towards exclusive breastfeeding supportive practices of fathers. The analysis indicates a positive relationship between internal locus of control and higher levels of support for EBF, with a coefficient of 0.36 (p = 0.00). Cohabitation with spouses and higher income were also found to significantly correlate with greater involvement in EBF practices. Notably, a significant positive relationship between internal locus of control (ILC) and exclusive breastfeeding support was found for primiparous fathers (coefficient of 0.36, p = 0.00), suggesting that those with stronger beliefs in personal control were more likely to engage in supportive breastfeeding practices. For multiparous fathers, however, the relationship between internal locus of control and breastfeeding support was inversely significant (coefficient of -0.36, p = 0.00), possibly reflecting previous experiences or learned helplessness. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted support systems that address both the emotional and practical needs of fathers, especially for first-time parents, to foster more effective breastfeeding practices. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including health education campaigns, to improve father’s supportive practices. This research highlights the interplay of socio-demographic factors, HLC dimensions, and parity on exclusive breastfeeding supportive practices, underscoring the importance oftailored strategies to enhance exclusive breastfeeding supportive practices and enhance maternal and child health, growth and wellbeing in the region and beyond.