CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding is a unique process that enhances child survival and development. It

contributes to women health by reducing fertility and the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. it

also provides social and economic benefits to the family and the nation at large .(SCN

Standing Committee on Nutrition 2015).

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as giving breast milk only to the infant, without any

additional food or drink, not even water in the first six months of life, with the exception of

mineral supplements, vitamins, or medicines. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the

United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend initiation of breastfeeding within the

first hour after birth; exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of age and continuation of

breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond in addition to adequate complementary

foods. (Ford et al., 2010).

EBF is an important public health strategy for improving children’s and mother’s health by

reducing child morbidity and mortality and helping to control healthcare costs in society.

Additionally is one of the major strategies which help the most widely known and effective

intervention for preventing early childhood deaths. Every year, optimal breastfeeding

practices can prevent about 1.4 million deaths worldwide among children under five. Beyond

the benefits that breastfeeding confers to the mother-child relationship, breastfeeding lowers

the incidence of many childhood illnesses, such as middle infections, pneumonia, sudden

infant death syndrome, diabetes mellitus, malocclusion, and diarrhea. Also, breastfeeding

supports healthy brain development and is associated with higher performance on intelligence

tests among children and adolescents. In mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to decrease

the frequency of hemorrhage, postpartum depression, breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial

1
cancer, as well as facilitating weight loss .The lactation amenorrhea method is an important

choice for postpartum family planning. (WHO.WHA Global Nutrition Targets by 2025)

The World Health Assembly (WHA) has set a global target in order to increase the rate of

EBF for infants aged 0–6 months up to at least 50% in 2012–2025. Adherence to these

guidelines varies globally, only 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six

months of life. High-income countries such as the United States (19%), United Kingdom

(1%), and Australia (15%), have shorter breastfeeding duration than do low-income and

middle-income countries. However, even in low-income and middle-income countries, only

37% of infants younger than six months are exclusively breastfed. (Ford et al., 2010).

1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

According to UNICEF (2018), one out of every three children is exclusively breastfed for

the first six months of life in the developing world. East Asia/Pacific and Eastern/Southern

Africa are the regions with the highest levels of Exclusive Breast Feeding in the first six

months of life (43 %), while west and central Africa have the lowest levels (20 %). Globally,

available figures show few babies are exclusively breastfed to 3 months In Denmark, 4 % of

babies were exclusively breastfed to 4 months Only 25% of Dutch mothers feed their

children mainly on breast milk during the first 6 months. (UNICEF 2018).

Despite the extensive available information on the benefits of breastfeeding both for the

mother and the infant, in Nigeria only 13% of children below six months are exclusively

breastfed. (UNICEF, 2006).

High infant mortality rates associated with diarrhea, acute respiratory infections and poor

responses to vaccinations result from lack of exclusive and proper breastfeeding. The

decline in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding is caused by both medical and social

phenomenon: pregnancy and maternal malnutrition, urbanization, the employment of

2
women in job which make on demand breastfeeding difficult, and the marketing of prepared

baby foods the next option. (UNICEF, 2006).

1.2 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To assess the attitude of working class mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding using P.H.C

Bukuru as the case study in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Have you receive any knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding?

2. Do you think exclusive breastfeeding has some benefits?

3. What are some of the factors that can hinder exclusive breastfeeding in Bukuru

community?

4. Do you have education program for breastfeeding Mothers in your faculty?

1.4 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

i) To sensitize the mothers on what exclusive breastfeeding is all about.

ii) To explain the benefit of breastfeeding to the mother and their children..

iii) To address the factors that affects exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Bukuru

community.

v) To encourage health workers to be more pro-active towards creating awareness on the

importance of exclusive breastfeeding to mothers.

1.6 SCOPE OF TH E STUDY

The study is focused on working class child bearing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding,

using P.H.C Bukuru as the case study in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

1.8 LIMITATIONS

1. Time: time wasn’t enough during the research, because it was carried out during class

activities, and the timeframe given for the research was short.

2. Finances: because of the financial challenges, everything is on the rising.

3
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Breast feeding: Is a process whereby the infant receives breast milk from the

maternal breast

2. Child: A son or daughter of human parents, which is unborn or recent born.

3. Child Bearing Age: Technically from puberty when they start menstruating to

menopause

4. EBF: Means the infant receive only breast milk, no other liquid or solid are

given not even water with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or

drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicine

5. Infant: A baby from birth to one month

6. Nutrition: Is the science that interprets the nutrient and other substances in food in

relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of organism.

7. Colostrums : Is the first milk your body produces during pregnancy.

8. AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

9. AMREF: African Medical and Research Foundation

10. ARI: Acute Respiratory Infections

11. EBF: Exclusive Breast Feeding

12. HIV: Human Immune deficiency Virus

13. MCH Maternal Child Health

14. NCHS: National Centre for Health Statistics

15. SCN: Standing Committee on Nutrition

16. TBA: Traditional Birth Attendant

17. UNAIDS: United Nations Agency for International development

18. UNIC: United Nations Information Centre

19. UNICEF: United Nations International Children Education Fund

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20. WHA: World Health Assembly

21. WHO: World Health Organization

5
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

In many places, people regard breastfeeding as normal, but they have other ideas that

can interfere with it. Sometimes people approve of breastfeeding but believe that it is not

enough by itself and that babies need something else as well. Many mothers decide to feed

their babies artificially-either partially or completely because they believe that they do not

have enough breast milk. A mother’s perception of insufficient breast milk production is a

barrier to exclusive breastfeeding as found in Nigeria. Some mothers give babies bottle feeds

as well to make them fatter, because they believe that it is healthier. (Kong et al; 2014).

For Nigerian families, formula feeding is seen as a way to ensure that babies will grow to be

physically larger and to have harder bones. Some women do not want to stay with the baby

all the time to breastfeed, they want to be free to go out with friends or go to work. They

believe that breastfeeding will not suit their ways of life. The findings of a study among

Hong Kong women showed that women tended to consider breastfeeding as socially limiting

and thought that women should not be tied to the baby and family (Kong et al; 2014).

Colostrums has traditionally been viewed as “bad milk”. The colostrum is discarded

because of the general belief that it is “heavy or not good for the child”. Turkish migrant

mothers believe that colostrums, “Mawu/fro” causes stomachache and infants dislike this

milk. Mothers squeeze their breasts to get rid of this milk. In many developing countries,

mothers do not give that first milk because they fear it to be “pus” or “poison” (Adegbo,

2017).

2.2 THE IMPORTANCEOF BREASTFEEDING TO THE BABY

Nutrients a Baby needs for the first six months of life. Breast milk contains antibodies to

protect the baby against infections, there is less gastroenteritis, fewer respiratory and ear

infections among breastfed babies (Penny et al., 2015).

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Infants fed on breast milk have less risk of atopic eczema, asthma, lower rates of obesity,

diabetes and coronary heart diseases in the later life. The suckling required in breastfeeding

is more vigorous and encourages the healthy development of jaws and gums (Penny et al.,

2015).

Breastfeeding is important for physical health and neurological development. There is a

possible decrease in the risk of cot death and a possible increase in Intelligence Quotient.

Some studies suggest that long- term intelligence or cognitive scores increase with the

mother`s choice to breastfeed and with the duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may be

particularly important in neurological development when some impairment is present at

birth the hormones released during breastfeeding strengthen the maternal bond. (Lantinget

al., 2014).

2.3 THE IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING TO THE MOTHER

Breastfeeding on demand helps protect against another pregnancy. Breast suckling prevents

ovulation through the hormone prolactin. Prolactin has an inhibiting influence on the

synthesis of ovarian steroids. The longer and more completely the infant suckles, the more

delay in the return of the ovulation cycle and thus the mother’s fertility. Breastfeeding helps

the uterus to return to its original size much more quickly. Breastfeeding soon after giving

birth increases the mother’s oxytocin levels making her uterus contract more quickly and

reducing the bleeding (Ford et al., 2010).

Women who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from uterine disorders, ovarian and breast

cancer. According to Mitch et al., (2016) breastfeeding allows for quicker weight loss after

pregnancy. The fat reserves set aside during pregnancy are used to manufacture milk.

Breastfeeding uses an average of 500 calories a day, thus, it helps a mother to lose weight

after giving birth (Mitch et al., 2016).

2.4 FACTORS AFFECTING MOTHERS’ EXCLUSIVE

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 BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE

2.4.1 Level of Knowledge On Breastfeeding

Having adequate information about breastfeeding and failing to experience problems during

breastfeeding period are found to influence mothers to breastfeed their infants. One of the

elements to empower a woman to breastfeed is that she has sufficient knowledge to make

decisions. Breastfeeding choice and success are usually associated with higher knowledge

on breastfeeding . (Wallace, 2012).

2.4.2 HIV Status

The fear of transmitting HIV through breast milk is a factor that contributes to the decline in

breastfeeding. HIV- positive mothers could be targeted by the distributors of infant food

products. A four-country study on breastfeeding in selected African countries concluded that

there has been a reduction on support of breastfeeding as a result of fears and

misinterpretation of the UNAIDS/WHO/UNICEF guidance related to HIV and

breastfeeding. (Coutsoudiset al; 2011).

A recent study in Zimbabwe indicates that postnatal transmission of HIV can be halved

from 14% to 7% by exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life. The risk of HIV

infection in breastfed babies is smaller than the risk of non-breastfed babies getting other

infectious diseases in present conditions in many developing countries. If a HIV positive

mother decides to breastfeed, some evidence exists in favor of exclusive breastfeeding. It

remains unclear why exclusive breastfeeding is better than 16 mixed feeding. Possible

explanations include a reduction in dietary antigens and pathogens which are assumed to

provoke an inflammatory response or alter infant’s gut integrity; the promotion of beneficial

intestinal micro flora by breast milk which may increase resistance to infection

(Coutsoudiset al; 2011).

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2.4.3 Age

The literature on the determinants of breastfeeding has consistently identified lower

maternal age as predictors of lower breastfeeding rates. A young mother with her first child

may find it difficult to believe that she can breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding fails easily

in a young school girl who has a baby that she really did not want. The young mother feels

shy to breastfeed and this impaires milk secretion. The young women to a large extend

perceive their breasts in terms of their attractiveness rather than their function. Several

mothers with a child at the end of a large family give up breastfeeding rather easily,

although they had no difficulties with earlier children. Age above 25 years has been

repeatedly associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. It is probable that older

women know more about the benefits of breastfeeding and have more realistic outcome

expectations. If a young woman is interested in breastfeeding, she should talk to women who

have done it successfully. Experienced mothers can be an enormous help to the first time

mother (Freed, 2013).

2.4.4 Marital Status

Single mothers have great difficulty supporting them and caring for the baby especially if

they are young. Single mothers have less family support. Without this support, activities

outside the home such as having to work might prevent EBF. It is often best if the mother

and the baby can stay together and be supported as a family. They can breastfeed at least

partially.(Ebrahim, 2011).

2.4.5 Education

A woman’s educational and social class affects her motivation to breastfeed but the way it

affects is different in different parts of the world. In many industrialized countries in the

west, breastfeeding is more common among the educated and upper class women. On the

other hand, in third world countries the educated and upper class women are more likely to

9
feed their infants artificially. Generally educated women tend to breastfeed less and are

likely to introduce supplementary feeding earlier than those with little or no education. This

is attributed to the fact that a better educated woman is more likely to work away from home

which makes breastfeeding difficult. The UNICEF United Nations International Children

Education Fund 2014, found an inverse relationship between education and mean duration

of breastfeeding (King et al; 2013).

2.4.6 Employment

A woman may choose not to breastfeed because she plans to go back to work outside home

soon after the baby is born and feels it is too difficult to work and also breastfeed. Other

women find it hard to maintain their milk supply when separated from their babies and may

be forced to stop breastfeeding. Maternal employment outside the home is often cited as a

major factor in short- term breastfeeding patterns seen throughout the world. (Perry, 2013).

2.4.7 Cultural factors

The decision to breastfeed is very often influenced more by socio-cultural factors than by

health consideration. ErgenEkonet al; (2016) noted that cultural beliefs have a significant

influence on breastfeeding practices. When perceived primarily as sex symbols, the breasts

must be decently hidden which makes breastfeeding in public places difficult. Breastfeeding

in a public place or in the presence of friends is an activity that is extremely sensitive to

cultural norms. Findings of the study done among women in Hong Kong showed that

majority of the women agreed that it was unacceptable to breastfeed in front of others except

the husband and the health care workers. Society has stressed modesty and frowned on

baring breasts in public even in so good a cause as nourishing babies. In most African

countries, breastfeeding is still considered an important part of the traditional culture and is

actively supported and promoted by community members . (Walker et al; 2016).

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2.4.8 Husband/Family Support

The role of the husband as a supporter of breastfeeding is mentioned in the lay literature.

Particularly when he has a positive mind - set relating to breastfeeding, it is thought that he

can play an important role. The presence of the husband at delivery tends to make him more

supportive of breastfeeding. Women who have breastfed have often had problems because

of lack of experience and support around them. In some places, the husband thinks that

breastfeeding is normal and important and most mothers breastfeed successfully. In other

places, the husband does not understand the importance of breastfeeding or may disapprove

breastfeeding in public places; then it is more difficult for women to breastfeed successfully.

A man’s positive or negative attitude towards breastfeeding can easily influence a woman’s

breastfeeding behavior. Men may disapprove of breastfeeding if they believe it will interfere

with sexual activity, will make women lose their breast shape or cause women to expose

their breasts in public. According to Kessler et al., 2005, the child’s father may be

supportive of breastfeeding if he realizes that the economic benefits of the mother’s milk

will free him from the responsibility of obtaining infant foods. Other husbands, especially

those who understand the nutritional value of breastfeeding, like the health professionals

may not buy their babies infant formula even though they could afford.

Several studies have demonstrated that the nursing mother needs emotional support

especially during the early days of lactation, provided by the people she trusts. The attitude

of husbands, relatives, friends and the community, all affect women’s decisions about

breastfeeding positively or negatively.Noted that lack of family support is a barrier to

exclusive breastfeeding. (Ebrahim, 2011).

2.5 ADVANTAGES OF BREAST MILK

 Perfect nutrients

 Easily digested; efficiently used

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 Protects against Infection

2.6 ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING

 Helps bonding and development

 Helps delay a new pregnancy

 Protects mothers’ health

 Costs less than artificial feeding(Walker et al; 2016).

2.7 BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE INFANT/YOUNG CHILD

1. Breast milk saves infants' lives.

2. It is a whole food for the infant and contains all the needed nutrients for his/her first 6

months in balanced proportions and sufficient quantities.

3. It promotes adequate growth and development, thus preventing stunting.

4. It is always clean.

5. It contains antibodies that protect against diseases, especially against diarrhoea and

respiratory infections.

6. It is always ready and at the right temperature.

7. It is easy to digest. Nutrients are well absorbed.

8. It protects against allergies. Breast milk antibodies protect the baby's gut preventing

harmful substances from passing into the blood.

9. It contains enough water for the baby's needs (87% of water and minerals).

10. It helps jaw and teeth development; suckling develops facial muscles.

11. Frequent skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant leads to better psychomotor,

emotional and social development of the infant.

12. The infant benefits from the colostrum, which protects him/her from disease. The

colostrum acts as a laxative cleaning the infant's stomach. (Walker et al; 2016).

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2.9 DISADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL FEEDING

• Interferes with bonding.

• More diarrhea and persistent diarrhea.

• More frequent respiratory infections.

• Malnutrition; Vitamin A deficiency.

• More allergy and milk intolerance.

• Increased risk of some chronic diseases.

• Obesity.

• Lower scores on intelligence tests

• Mother may become pregnant sooner

• Increased risk of anemia, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer in mother. (Ebrahim, 2011).

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the study area where the research is took place and research design of

the study, sampling technique, instrument for data collection and analysis of the data.

3.1 Area of the Study

The researcher found it worthy to carry out the research, using P.H.C Bukuru as the case

study in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bukuru community has a postal of 932114, and Latitude: 9° 17' 57.16" N Longitude: 8° 59'

40.81" E. is located in Bukuru District Jos South LGA of plateau state. It shares boundaries

with vom district, Jos South L.G.A

3.1.2 study Population

Bukuru community has an estimated population of 2700as at 2006 census, and Bukuru

community is estimated with about 3500 people now.

3.2 Design of the Study

The design of the study is a survey method. According to Osula (2001).

3.3 Sampling Technique

The researcher used simple random sampling to select size of the sample from the population.

The researcher selected 60 questionnaires for proper investigation by using the systematic

sampling technique. The whole 60 questionnaires were given out but 50 where retrieved and

answered correctly from the respondents.

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection

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The instrument that was used for data collection is a structured questionnaire.

The questionnaire was administered to the selected sample from the selected settlements.

3.5 Description of the Instrument

The structured questionnaire is divided into two sections A section and B section. Section A

seeks for information related to the bio-data of the respondent. While section B would enable

the respondents to provide personal responses to all questions related to attitude of mothers

towards exclusive breastfeeding.

3.6 Procedure for Data Collection

The researcher went to the community and personally administered the questionnaire to the

responder after brief introduction to the respondents about the researcher, the research and

the aims and mission of the study.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

The researcher collected and record the response from the questionnaire and for the analysis

to data. The data collected was analyzes using marginal tabulation and simple percentage

mean score.

% = F/N x 100

Where:

% = Percentage

F = Frequency of respondents

N= Total number of respondents.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter has to do with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data

collected by the researcher. However, the data collected were analyzed in percentage and

presented in a tabular form before comments were made on them.

Table 4.1: Gender distribution of respondent

Variables Respondents Percentage

Female 44 88%

Male 6 12%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that 44 respondents are female and 6 respondents are male and 44

respondents represent 88% while 6 respondents represent 12%

Table 4.2:Age distribution of respondents

Variables Respondents Percentage

20-29 years 10 20%

30-39 16 32%

40-49 15 30%

50 and above 9 18%

Total 50 100%

16
The table above indicate that 10 respondents were 20-29years, 16 respondents were 30-

39years, 15 respondents were 40-49years, 9 respondents were 50 years and above. 10

respondents represent 20%, 16respondents represents 32%, 15 respondents represents 30%

and 9 respondents represent 18%.

Table 4.3: Marital status of respondent

Variables Respondents Percentage

Single 14 28%

Married 18 36%

Divorced 7 14%

Widow/widower 11 22%

Total 50 100%

The table above indicate that14 respondents were single, 18 respondents were married, 7

respondents are divorced and 11 respondents are widows, 14 respondents represent 28%, 18

respondents represents 36%, then & respondent represent 14% and 11 respondents represent

22 %.

Table 4.4:Educational qualification of the respondents

Variables Respondents Percentage

Primary education 7 14%

Secondary education 22 44%

Tertiary education 21 42%

Total 50 100%

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The table above shows that, 7 respondents had obtained primary education, 22 had abstained

secondary, and 21 had obtained tertiary education, 7 respondents represent 14%, 22

respondents represent 44%, 21 respondents represent 42%.

Table 4.5:Religion of the respondents.

Variables Respondents Percentage

Christianity 32 64%

Islam 18 36%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that 32 respondents where Christians, 18 respondents are Muslims and

none were into traditional practices. 32 respondents represent 64%, and 18 respondent’s

represent 36%.

Table 4.6: Occupation of the respondents

Variables Respondents Percentage

Farming 14 28%

Mining 7 14%

Students 7 14%

Civil servant 22 42%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that,14 respondents are farmers, 7 were miners, 7 respondents were

students, and 22 respondents were civil servants. 14 respondents represent 28%, 7 represent

14%, 7 respondents represent 14%, and 22 respondents represent 42%

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QUESTION 4.7: Do you have the knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 40 80%

No 10 20%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that, 40 respondents agreed that they have knowledge about exclusive

breastfeeding, while 10 respondent opposed. 40 respondents represent 80% while 10

respondents represent 20%.

QUESTION 4.8: Do you think occupational carrier of mothers hinder exclusive

breastfeeding?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 26 52%

No 24 48%

Total 50 100%

The table above indicates that, 26 respondents agreed that occupational carrier of mothers

hinder exclusive breastfeeding, while 24 respondents did not agree. 26 respondents represent

52%, and 24 respondents represent 48%.

QUESTION 4.9: Do you think exclusive breastfeeding has a benefit to children?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 45 90%

No 5 10%

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 Total 50 100%

The table above shows that 45 respondents think exclusive breastfeeding has a benefit to

children and 5 respondents opposed. 45 respondents represent 90% and 5 respondents

represent 10%.

QUESTION 4.10: Could cultures, traditions and believes hinder exclusive

breastfeeding?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 33 66%

No 17 34%

Total 50 100%

The table above indicates that,33 respondents thinkcultures, traditions and believes hinder

exclusive breastfeeding and 17 respondents don’t.33 respondentsrepresent 66% and 17

respondents represent 34%.

QUESTION 4.11: Do you think male parents have a role in proper breastfeeding?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 43 86%

Agree 7 14%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that, 43 respondents thinks male parents have a role in proper

breastfeeding and 7 respondents don’t. 43 respondents represent 86% while 7 respondents

represent 14%.

20
QUESTION 4.12:Do you think lack of exclusive breastfeeding could predispose a child

to disease conditions?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 33 66%

No 17 34%

Total 50 100%

The table above indicates that, 33 respondents think lack of exclusive breastfeeding could

predispose a child to disease conditions and 17 respondent don’t.33 respondent represents

66% and 17 respondents represent 34%.

QUESTION 4.13:Could adequate breastfeeding benefit the mother?

Variables Respondents Percentage

Yes 28 56%

No 22 44%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that, 28 respondents opine that adequate breastfeeding benefits the

mother, while 22 respondents opposed. 28 respondents represent 56% and 22 respondents

represent 44%.

21
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.0 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Table 4.1, shows that, 44 respondents are female and 6 respondents are male, and 44

respondents represent 88% while 6 respondents represent 12%. The result shows that female

respondents are more that the male with 88%.

Table 4.2, shows that 10 respondents were 20-29years, 16 respondents were 30-

39years, 15 respondents were 40-49years, 9 respondents were 50years and above. 10

respondents represent 20%, 16 respondents’ represents 32%, 15 respondents’ represents 30%

and 9 respondents represent 18%. The result shows that those are age 30-39 where the highest

respondents with 32%

Table 4.3, shows that 14 respondent were single, 18 respondents were married, 7

respondents are divorced and 11 respondent are widows, 14 respondents represent 28%, 18

respondent represents 36%, then 7 respondent represent 14% and 11 respondent represent 22

%. The respondents shows that the married people are more with 36%

Table 4.4, shows that 7 respondents had obtained primary education, 22 had

abstained secondary, and 21 had obtained tertiary education, 7 respondents represent 14%, 22

respondent represent 44%, 21 respondent represent 42%, majority of the respondents had

secondary school education with 44%, follow by tertiary with 42% the result shows that the

residents of the community are educated.

22
 Table 4.5, shows that 32 respondents where Christians, 18 respondents are Muslims

and none was into traditional practices. 32 respondents represent 64% and 18 respondent

represent 36% .table 4.5 the result shows that Christians were the majority with 64%.

Table 4.6, shows that 14 respondents are farmers, 7 were miners, 7 respondents were

students, 22 respondents were civil servants. 14 respondents represent 28%, 7 represent 14%,

7 respondent represent 14%, and 22 respondents represent 44%. The result shows that

majority of the respondents were civil servants with 44%.

Table 4.7, shows that, 40 respondent representing 80% had the knowledge of

exclusive breastfeeding, while 10 respondent representing 20% opposed.The result shows

that the respondents has the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding but a great health

education need to be done for the remaining 20% of respondents that don’t have the

knowledge of exclusive breast feeding.

Table 4.8, indicates that, 26 respondents agreed that occupational carrier of mothers

can affect exclusive breastfeeding, while 24 respondents did not agree. 26 respondent

represent 52%, and 24 respondents represent 48%.the result shows that, the carrier of mothers

can affect exclusive breastfeeding because mothers will be force to drop their children in a

daycare, there by forced to give the child other foods.

Table 4.9, shows that 33 respondent think exclusive breastfeeding has benefit and 17

respondent opposed. 33 respondents represent 66% and 17 respondent represent 34%. This is

a call to health workers to sensitize the community more as they 34% of the respondents

don’t think exclusive breastfeeding has benefits.

Table 4.10, above indicates that, 33 respondent thinks that cultures, traditions, and

beliefs hinders exclusive breastfeeding in the community and 17 respondent don’t.33

23
respondent represent 66% and 17 respondent represent 34%. The result shows that that 66%

agreed that cultures, traditions, believes could hinder exclusive breastfeeding and more

awareness should be given to the community on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Table 4.11, shows that, 43 respondents think male parents have a role in encouraging

exclusive breastfeeding, and 7 respondents don’t. 43 respondents represent 86% while 7

respondents represent 14%. The result shows that male parents have a duty to exclusive

breastfeeding because they are the bread winner. Men ensure they provide food for their

wife’s in other to produce breast milk.

Table 4.12, shows that, 33 respondents opine that lack of exclusive breastfeeding

could predispose a child to diseases, 17 respondent opposed. 33 respondents represent 66%

and 17 respondent represent 34%. Exclusive breastfeeding don’t just provide the child with

just protein but with vitamins and nutrients that will help build the immunity of the child

thereby keeping him for infectious diseases. More health education should be done to the

34% respondents that don’t know if breastfeeding would prevent diseases.

Table 4.13, shows that, 28 respondents think adequate breastfeeding benefit the

mother, but 22 respondents opposed. 28 respondents represent 56% while 22 respondents

represent 44%. The result shows that breastfeeding increases the bond between the mother

and her child; more so exclusive breastfeeding can be used as a method of family planning to

the mother.

5.2RECOMMENDATIONS

5.2.1 Health workers

 Health workers should encourage women to go for post-natal.

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  Health worker should health educate mothers on the importance of exclusive

breastfeeding to the child.

 Health workers should create awareness on government policy on exclusive

breastfeeding.

5.2.2 Individual

 Nursing mothers should avail themselves to the child for exclusive breastfeeding.

 Male parents should provide adequate food supply for their wives for adequate

breast milk production.

 The community to be health educated on the effect of exclusive breastfeeding,

never to allow culture nor tradition to prevent them from breastfeeding.

5.2.3 Government

 The government should make provision that could enable breastfeeding mothers

under their employment to close from work earlier

 The government should pass a bill so that the period of maternity leave to all

mothers should be increased from 4 months to 6months to ensure a successful

exclusive breastfeeding.

 The government should build baby day care homes within the office to enable

mother’s breastfeed their babies on demand.

5.3 CONCLUSSION

The results of this study are critically important, that as they are addressing the gap in

the exclusive breastfeeding segment and sensitively show evidence for areas where urgent

25
interventions are needed. Moreover, these results also inform policymakers where they can

respond and integrate exclusive breastfeeding programs within their community health

system. It also identifies the need for the workforce to encourage mothers to attend antenatal

and postnatal care to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice. It also shows that educational

strategies are important to improve and correct mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and

sociocultural norms about exclusive breastfeeding. We suggest that all levels of healthcare

workers should be involved with exclusive breastfeeding education. To promote well-baby

visits, antenatal and early postpartum8 education, and also during home visits by community

health workers, should improve maternal knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding

practice.

26
 REFFERENCE

AMREF 2017.Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and postnatal

depression: the role of pain and physical difficulties. J AdvNurs. 2016;72:273–282.

Coutsoudiset al; 2011..A longitudinal study of differences in electroencephalographic activity

among breastfed, milk formula-fed, and soy formula-fed infants during the first year

of life. Early Hum Dev. 2010;86:119–125.

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 APPENDIX

Plateau State College of

Health Technology Zawan

Department of Public Health

P.O Box 2575, Jos

07th may, 2022.

Dear respondent,

I am Markus Racheal Zamdayu from Plateau State College of Health Technology

Zawan, undergoing National Diploma in Public Health. I am carrying out a research on the

topic “the attitude of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding in P.H.C Bukuru of Jos

South Local Government Area of Plateau State”.

This study is academics as such all information supplied by you shall be used solely

for this purpose and shall be treated with confidenciality.

I hereby, solicit your cooperation in answering the attached questionnaires as honestly

as possible.

Yours faithfully,

Markus Racheal Zamdayu

29
 SECTION A (BIODATA)

1. Gender : (a) Male ( ) (b) Female ( )

2. Age : (a) 20-29 ( ) (b) 30-39 ( ) (c) 40-49 ( ) (d) 50 and above ( )

3. Marital Status: (a) Married( ) (b) Single( ) (c) Divorce( )

(d) widow/widower ( )

4. Education Background: (a) Primary ( ) (b) Secondary ( ) (c) Tertiary ( )

(d) none of the above( )

5. Religion: (a) Christianity ( ) (b) Islam ( ) (c) Traditional ( ) (d)

others( )

6. Occupation: farming ( ) mining ( ), student ( ),civil servant( ) artisan ( )

SECTION B

7. Have you attended any workshop on exclusive breastfeeding? Yes ( )No ( )

8. Do you think occupational carrier of mothers hinder exclusive breastfeeding? Yes ( )

No ( )

9. Do you think exclusive breastfeeding has a benefit to your children? Yes ( ) No (

10. Could cultures, traditions and believes hinder exclusive breastfeeding? Yes (

) no ( )

11. During my exclusive breastfeeding, my husband encouraged me ? Yes (

) No ( )

12. Do you think lack of exclusive breastfeeding could predispose a child to disease

conditions? Yes ( ) No ( )

13. In your opinion is there any benefit on exclusive breastfeeding, to you as a mother ?

Yes ( ) No ( )

30