Role of Significant Others and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding by Nursing Mothers in Imo State, Nigeria

Ibe, S. N.; Obasi, O. I.; Nwoke, E. A.

doi:10.12816/0041802

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Promotion of EBF by significant others is very crucial towards promoting EBF in the community, hence it has been established in an earlier study following this present study that, significant others are the major cause of low adoption of EBF of the nursing mother [7]. In this study, the perceptions of significant others on the element of EBF was 120 (81-3%) for grandmothers and 69 (73%) for husbands this indicates that the significant others have a positive perception of EBF but these positive perceptions do not reflect their practice.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Ibe, Obasi, Nwoke, Nwufo [7], significant others were those persons who influence opinion or action of the nursing mother and they include her mother, husband and mother-in-law. This reference groups' opinion influences the nursing mother ability and readiness to adopt exclusive breastfeeding [7]. Significant others were found to influence infant feeding practices in the first six months of life at Umuokanne Community, Imo State, resulting in the low level of exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This reference groups' opinion influences the nursing mother ability and readiness to adopt exclusive breastfeeding [7]. Significant others were found to influence infant feeding practices in the first six months of life at Umuokanne Community, Imo State, resulting in the low level of exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers [7]. Similarly, another study conducted by Ibe, Obasi, Nwoke, Nwufo [8] found that mothers in the study reported that, they did not practice exclusive breastfeeding reason because their mother/mother-in-law (grandmothers) interfered by given water, water mixed with medicinal herb or roots and also advice over early introduction of feed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceptions and Intent to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding by Significant Others in Umuokanne Community Imo State, Nigeria

Douglas¹,

Ibe²,

Nwufo³

2020

JAMMR

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Perception and intent of significant others to promote exclusive breastfeeding is important in understanding their perceived behaviour and their state of mind toward exclusive breastfeeding practice. It also helps to identify what intentions this significant other had toward the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding practice (EBF). This study aimed to determine the perceptions and intentions of significant others to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Umuokanne Community, Imo State, Nigeria. The descriptive study design was employed to elicit information from 245 significant others (mothers of the nursing mother, mothers-in-law and husbands) within the six villages in Umuokanne Community. Instruments for data collection were structured on the questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). And finally, the reliability test was established (r = 0.68) between them. 20 significant others participated in the FGDs. Results of the study revealed that significant others had positive perceptions and indicate readiness towards the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding. 120(80%) of grandmothers and 69(73%) of husbands had positive perceptions on the elements of EBF, 100(100%) of grandmothers and 74(78%) of husbands had positive perceptions of the essential roles to play in the promotion EBF, 75(50%) of grandmothers and 57(60%) of husbands had negatively perceived not giving of colostrum to an infant, early introduction of any feed in less than six months of an infant life, early introduction of fluid to an infant, giving off water and water mixed with medicinal herbs/roots, were not believed to be a barriers to EBF promotion. The description could be based on three key concepts namely, perceived insufficiency of breast milk, low income and cultural practices. Age, education, income and parity were also statistically significant (P = 0.05). However, 136(91%) of grandmothers and 78(82%) of husbands showed a positive intention towards the promotion of EBF practice. Hence, this study concluded that a positive perception shows the willingness to take action and a positive intention indicate readiness toward the promotion of EBF. Therefore, there is need to expand the current strategies employed in the promotion of EBF to include significant others and their cultural perspectives.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Perceptions and Intent to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding by Significant Others in Umuokanne Community Imo State, Nigeria

Douglas¹,

Ibe²,

Nwufo³

2020

JAMMR

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Exclusive breastfeeding: an exploratory thematic analysis of the perspectives of breastfeeding mothers and significant others in the Tamale metropolis of Northern Ghana

Tahiru,

Amoako,

Apprey

2024

BMC Nutr

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Introduction Exclusive breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal way to feed infants due to its numerous health benefits for both the child and the mother. Despite its advantages, Ghana is still far from attaining World Health Organization (WHO) recommended rates. This study is aimed at exploring the knowledge attitude and practices, where the practices hinged on facilitators, barriers, and sociocultural perspectives of breastfeeding mothers and significant others on exclusive breastfeeding. Methods This study employed an ethnographic thematic analysis framed by the socioecological model (SEM). Thematic analysis was paired with focus group discussions (FGDs). The study participants were recruited purposively by employing a snowball sampling technique with the assistance of community health volunteers. Three (3) FGDs were formed, with 10 participants in each group, to gather perspectives from breastfeeding mothers and significant others (partners and grandmothers) in three communities with Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds within the Tamale metropolis. With an interview guide, all FGDs were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and translated from local dialects to English. The emerging themes were used in writing a narrative account, guided by the principles of thematic analysis. Results This study identified three thematic areas: knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF); attitudes toward EBF and practices of EBF (facilitators, barriers, and sociocultural practices). There was some knowledge disparity among lactating mothers despite the overall high knowledge and subpar attitudes of some mothers. The practice of exclusive breastfeeding was substandard. The major hindrances identified were cultural barriers propagated by partners/husbands and grandmothers; the belief that the weather here does not support EBF; and the need for spiritual herbs in infancy. Supportive healthcare providers helped increase the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Some support also came from partners and husbands, and some mothers showed unique positive behaviors by exclusively breastfeeding. Conclusion This study revealed that while exclusive breastfeeding education has been ongoing for decades, sociocultural norms still influence mothers to deviate from WHO recommendations. Public education is recommended to dispel misconceptions surrounding exclusive breastfeeding, develop a food galactagogue to help with breastmilk volumes and create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and families to make informed choices that optimize the health and well-being of both infants and mothers.

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Role of Significant Others and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding by Nursing Mothers in Imo State, Nigeria

Cited by 2 publications

References 3 publications

Perceptions and Intent to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding by Significant Others in Umuokanne Community Imo State, Nigeria

Perceptions and Intent to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding by Significant Others in Umuokanne Community Imo State, Nigeria

Exclusive breastfeeding: an exploratory thematic analysis of the perspectives of breastfeeding mothers and significant others in the Tamale metropolis of Northern Ghana

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