Factors Influencing the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers Attending the IWC in District Hospital Mbengwi in the North West Region of Cameroon

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJAR.2014.06.02.Art005

Authors : Christina Asoh, Christina Asoh

Abstract:

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal nutrition for the healthy growth and development of infants. The global public health recommendation is that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health (WHO, 2003). Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life stimulates babies’ immune systems and protects them from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, two of the major causes of infant mortality in the developing world and improves their responses to vaccination (UNICEF, 2006). Approximately 1.5 million young infants die each year as a result of lack of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding benefits and improper infant and young child feeding practices (Nguyen, 2009). The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other organizations promote exclusive breastfeeding as one of the key effective low-cost interventions to enhance child survival. It is therefore for these reasons that we sort to find out the factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers attending infant welfare clinic (IWC) at the Mbengwi District Hospital.

A cross-sectional survey was used where the convenient sampling technique was used. Data collection tool was a structured questionnaire with open and closed ended questions to give a snapshot of the factors influencing the practice of breast feeding among lactating mothers attending IWC. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel tables and figures.

The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers attending IWC in district hospital Mbengwi was found to be 26.6% which is relatively higher compared to those reported in other studies 13.3%, 16%, in Tanzania, Kenya, respectively (Maru et al, 2009). This observed difference may be due to the strengthened MCH services. Despite the improvement in the percentage as compared to other African countries, there is still a need for strengthened MCH services to improve the percentage of mothers adhering to exclusive breastfeeding.

Keywords: exclusive breast feeding, lactating mother, infant welfare clinic, Mbengwi District hospital

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