Factors Influencing the Practice of Exclusive Breast Feeding in Rural Communities of Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This randomised cross-sectional study aims at identifying factors that influence the practice of Exclusive Breast-Feeding(EFB) in rural communities of Osun-State, Nigeria. The sample size consists of four hundred and eighty (480) nursing mothers drawn randomly from five (5) selected communities (Aayegbogbo,Ola, Isoko, Ilawo and Masifa). Data were analysed using simple percentage and chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. The study reveals a high percentage (80%) resistance to change from Inclusive Breast Feeding (IBF) to Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). The identified factors that influence the practice of EBF includes; nursing mother’s age, marital status, occupation, education, parity and financial status of the family. About 47% of the respondents who started EBF at birth stopped the practice in less than one month, only about 10% continued with EBF till 6 months. Perceived reason for not practising EBF is attributable to cultural factors. Generally, only 20% of the respondents practice EBF while majority (80%) do not. It was concluded that there is the need for midwives to intensify their health education on rural women which will address all issues of cultural barriers that militate against nursing mother from practising EBF

Keywords: - Exclusive Breast Feeding, Factors Influencing, Rural Communities.