Kayode Olariike O, Oyedeji Ayobami S, Alabi Quadri K
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Osun State University Osogbo, Osun State.
Department of Public Health, Achievers University Owo, Ondo State.
J Public Health Afr. 2023 Apr 21;14(6):2191. doi: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2191. eCollection 2023 Jun 21.
Breastfeeding has been accepted as the most vital intervention for reducing infant mortality and ensuring optimal growth and development of children. However, studies on the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding, especially, among working-class women are sparse. This study determined the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding among working-class women in Osun state. Multistage sampling was used to select a total of 316 respondents for this cross-sectional study and a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information. More than half (57.6%) of the respondents were between the ages of 26-35 years. Ninety-eight percent (98.1%) of the respondents had good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Sixty-six percent (66.8%) had good exclusive breastfeeding practices. The study showed that there was a significant relationship between knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among the respondents (P<0.05). Identified factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding among the respondents are: duration of maternity leave, availability of crèche near the place of work, breastfeeding break at work, husband and family support, health conditions that could hinder EBF, and engagement in other activities with work. Breastfeeding breaks at work (AOR=4.717; P=0.000), husband and family support (AOR=2.944; P=0.000), and one-month maternal leave (P=0.000) were factors significantly associated with EBF practices. We conclude that good knowledge and good practices of exclusive breastfeeding were found among the study group. Improved policies around maternity leave and the provision of breastfeeding friendly work environment are needed to increase exclusive breastfeeding practices. Husbands and family members should be educated on the need to provide support to breastfeeding mothers.
母乳喂养已被公认为是降低婴儿死亡率、确保儿童最佳生长发育的最重要干预措施。然而，关于影响纯母乳喂养的因素的研究，尤其是在工人阶级妇女中的研究却很稀少。本研究确定了奥孙州工人阶级妇女中影响纯母乳喂养的因素。采用多阶段抽样方法，为本横断面研究共选取了316名受访者，并使用经过预测试、由访谈员管理的问卷来获取信息。超过一半（57.6%）的受访者年龄在26 - 35岁之间。98.1%的受访者对纯母乳喂养（EBF）有良好的认知。66.8%的受访者有良好的纯母乳喂养行为。研究表明，受访者中纯母乳喂养的知识与行为之间存在显著关系（P<0.05）。确定的影响受访者纯母乳喂养的因素有：产假时长、工作地点附近是否有托儿所、工作时的母乳喂养休息时间、丈夫和家人的支持、可能阻碍纯母乳喂养的健康状况以及工作与其他活动的兼顾情况。工作时的母乳喂养休息时间（调整后比值比[AOR]=4.717；P=0.000）、丈夫和家人的支持（AOR=2.944；P=0.000）以及一个月的产假（P=0.000）是与纯母乳喂养行为显著相关的因素。我们得出结论，研究组中发现了良好的纯母乳喂养知识和行为。需要围绕产假改进政策，并提供有利于母乳喂养的工作环境，以增加纯母乳喂养行为。应教育丈夫和家庭成员认识到向母乳喂养母亲提供支持的必要性。
