Breastfeeding practices of mothers in a rural community of Sokoto, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and child, hence the global effort aimed at promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of breastfeeding in a rural community of Sokoto state.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 260 standardized pre-tested structured questionnaires were interviewer administered based on a set of eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

Out of the 260 mothers that were eligible for the study, 240 agreed to participate in the study. Only 20 (8%) of the respondents had initiated breastfeeding less than one hour after delivery, while majority, 165 (69%) did so after 24hours. Exclusive breastfeeding was highly practised in this community as 188 (78.7%) of the mothers gave only breast milk up to six months after delivery. None of the mothers breastfed for less than six months while 171 (71%) did so for 19-24 months. The relationship between educational attainment and duration of breastfeeding was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Majority of the mothers 141(76%) continued breastfeeding even when they felt their child was old enough to be weaned.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of breastfeeding was found to be high in this community; however, there is the need to promote early initiation of breastfeeding to sustain and improve on the rates.