Knowledge and Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Patterns among Mothers Attending Paediatric Clinic, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
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Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means feeding an infant solely on breast milk for the first six months of life is a vital public health strategy for improving infant survival and development. Despite its proven benefits, EBF rates in Nigeria remain below global targets. This study assessed the knowledge, prevalence, and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 mothers using a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The mean age of respondents was 34.8 ± 6.9 years; 93.2% were married, and 71.7% had a tertiary education. Awareness of EBF was high (95.8%), with 93.4% demonstrating good knowledge. However, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was 37.5%. Significant associations were observed between EBF practice and place of residence (p = 0.001), husband’s support (p < 0.001), work schedule (p < 0.001), belief in EBF health benefits (p = 0.020), and encouragement received in paediatric clinics (p = 0.002). Despite the high level of awareness and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among respondents, actual practice remains suboptimal. Strengthening male partner involvement, promoting workplace breastfeeding-friendly policies, and enhancing continuous maternal education during paediatric visits are recommended to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Iboro Onisokien J., Dr. Humphey Chidinma F., Dr. Imabibo Douglas I., Dr. Hart Tamunomiepiribi R., Dr. Ogbonna Vivian I. (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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