Socio-Economic and Attitudinal Barriers to Exclusive Breast Feeding Uptake in Zimbabwe and Possible Migratory Mechanisms

Abstract

Child mortality rate in Zimbabwe which stands at 97 deaths per 1,000 is horrendous and it poses a huge threat to the realization of Millennium Development Goal number 4 which is to reduce under five mortality. Exclusive breast feeding which has been found as one of the major remedies to the pandemonium is largely underutilized in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the socio-economic and attitudinal barriers to exclusive breast feeding with the objective of influencing the increase in the uptake of this noble intervention. This empirical study utilized a mixed research methodology. It was noted that factors such as negative attitudes, low income, gender inequalities, social influence, and traditional practices were hindering the uptake of exclusive breast feeding. The study put forth recommendations to trigger the utilization of exclusive breast feeding.

Keywords: Exclusive Breast Feeding, Socio –economic, mortality, barriers