FACTORS AFFECTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES IN SHANGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating mothers is still low despite associated health benefits. This study examined factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating women attending PHCs in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive cross–sectional survey. Multistage sampling was used in selecting 225 respondents. A validated research instrument was used, and a reliability of 0.87r was obtained. The findings reveal that Cultural beliefs, level of education and superstition had significant effects on exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating women attending PHCs in Shanga Lga, Kebbi State (PPMC cal 0.708>tab 0.01); (PPMC cal 0.697 >tab 0.01); and (PPMC cal 0.572>tab 0.01) respectively. This study concluded that cultural beliefs, level of education and superstition significantly affected exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating women attending PHCs in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study recommended health education on exclusive breastfeeding/early initiation practice. Cultural beliefs towards exclusive breastfeeding practice should be condemned.