This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and identifying the challenges experienced during the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants less than 6 months in Rusinga West Location. This study had three specific objectives namely, to assess mother`s knowledge on exclusive breast feeding, to determine mother`s attitude towards exclusive breast feeding and to identify challenges faced by mother`s during exclusive breast feeding practice.
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized. The study targeted mothers with infants less than six months of age in the location. Data was collected by administering structured questionnaires with closed and open ended questions to the targeted respondents. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables and graph.
A total of 84 respondents participated and the study findings showed that majority of the respondents 98%, (n=82) had heard of exclusive breast feeding and knew what it mean. Half of the respondents, 50%, (n=42) said they had experience difficulties while breast feeding and half of the respondents 50%, (n=42) also said they have not experienced any difficulty while breast feeding. It is worth noting that majority of the respondents still face challenges such as baby refusal to breast feed, inadequate breast milk, breast tenderness, pain during breast feed and sore nipples.
Table of Contents
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
3. JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
4. METHODOLOGY
5. RESULTS
5.1 Distribution of respondents by age
5.2 Age of the infants
5.3 Knowledge on exclusive breast feeding
5.4 Knowledge on exclusive breast feeding
5.5 Source of information on exclusive breast feeding
5.6 View on the duration of exclusive breast feeding
5.7 Position of the baby during breast feeding
5.8 Challenges experienced during breast feeding
5.9 Problems encountered during breast feeding
5.10 Alternative means when experiencing breast feeding difficulties
6. DISCUSSION
6.1 Demographic information
6.2 Knowledge on exclusive breast feeding
6.3 Difficulties experienced during breast feeding
6.4 Effects of the problems encountered
6.5 Conclusion
6.6 Recommendations
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and challenges faced by mothers of infants under six months regarding exclusive breastfeeding in Rusinga West Location, Kenya, to provide a basis for improved health education and support interventions.
- Assessment of maternal knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices.
- Evaluation of maternal attitudes towards the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Identification of common challenges encountered during the exclusive breastfeeding period.
- Analysis of the correlation between infant feeding practices and maternal health education.
- Development of recommendations for local health authorities to improve breastfeeding support.
Excerpt from the Book
Difficulties experienced during breast feeding
Half of the respondents, 50%, (n=42) had experienced varying difficulty in practicing exclusive breast feeding. This case isn’t different from other parts of the world since even in some developed countries, some women still finds it difficult to exclusively breast feed their infants for the recommended six months. Some of the challenges experienced by the respondents while practicing exclusive breast feed include inadequate breast milk, baby refusing to breast feed, pain in breast, sore nipples, cultural barriers, breast tenderness and latching difficulty. This findings concurs with the findings of a study conducted by MacKean & Spragins,( 2012), which found out that some difficulties include baby rejecting the breast, insufficient milk supply, Latching problems, nipple pain (Mastitis), pumping difficulties for instance it can be time consuming, Lack of access to effective breast pumps, finding places to pump at work/school may be difficult. Other difficulties include lack of confidence and self-efficacy, Breastfeeding is perceived as time consuming, Fatigue, exhaustion and leaking breasts. Mother’s health including Smoking and other addictions, Poor diet, Hepatitis B, Post-delivery pain and recovery. Lastly infant’s health that is weight loss, or failure to gain sufficient weight is also a challenge to EBF. (Makena, 2014)
Summary of Chapters
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Provides a comprehensive definition of exclusive breastfeeding and highlights global and local prevalence statistics alongside the importance of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
PROBLEM STATEMENT: Discusses the prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding in Kenya, noting the early introduction of water and other liquids, and the associated risks of increased infant morbidity.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY: Explains the necessity of the research for promoting infant health and survival, and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal number 3.
METHODOLOGY: Details the descriptive cross-sectional study design used, including the selection of the study area in Rusinga West Location and the administration of questionnaires to 84 respondents.
RESULTS: Presents the primary data regarding respondent demographics, infant ages, sources of breastfeeding information, and the prevalence of difficulties encountered during the practice.
DISCUSSION: Interprets the findings in the context of existing literature, comparing local results with studies from Nepal, Nigeria, and other regions to evaluate the effectiveness of current breastfeeding promotion efforts.
Keywords
Breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, maternal and Child Health, antenatal care, infant and Young Children Feeding, traditional birth attendant, community health extension worker, infant mortality, lactation, Rusinga West Location, health education, breast tenderness, sore nipples, latching difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and challenges faced by mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months in Rusinga West Location, Kenya.
What are the core thematic areas covered in this study?
The study covers demographic factors, maternal knowledge levels, sources of information on breastfeeding, the impact of cultural and physical challenges, and the effectiveness of local healthcare interventions.
What is the main objective of the study?
The primary objectives are to evaluate the knowledge mothers have, determine their attitudes, and identify the specific challenges that hinder the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, utilizing structured questionnaires with both open and closed-ended questions for data collection from 84 respondents.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines participant demographics, current breastfeeding rates, common difficulties such as latching issues and breast pain, and strategies used by mothers when facing these difficulties.
What key terms characterize this research?
Key terms include exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health, antenatal care, infant survival, and breastfeeding challenges such as mastitis and latching difficulties.
Did the study find that most mothers had prior knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding?
Yes, the findings revealed that 98% of the respondents had heard of exclusive breastfeeding and understood its meaning, though they still face practical implementation challenges.
What is the significance of the "Health facility" as a source of information?
Health facilities were identified as the primary source of information for 70% of the respondents, indicating that routine antenatal care visits are critical for educating mothers.
How do the challenges identified in this study compare to global findings?
The challenges identified, such as insufficient milk supply and nipple pain, align with global findings from studies in other regions, confirming that these issues are universally prevalent for lactating mothers.
What recommendation does the author provide for local government?
The author recommends that the County government of Homabay implement continual health education and promotion activities to better support breastfeeding mothers and provide necessary medical care for breastfeeding-related issues.
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- James Ochieng (Autor:in), Slava Sobota (Autor:in), 2017, Exclusive breast feeding in Rusinga West Location, Kenya. Knowledge, attitude and challenges experienced by mothers with infants less than 6 months, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/550022
