SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING THE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC OF ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, BAUCHI, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a well-established intervention for the improvement of child survival. Although breastfeeding is associated with multiple health and economic benefits for mothers children and society, the recommended breastfeeding rate is low worldwide.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic predictors of EBF among breastfeeding mothers attending the immunization clinic of ATBUTH, Bauchi.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 420 mother-child dyads attending the immunization clinic. Participants were selected through a systematic random sampling. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding were measured using the WHO 24-hour recall, while the sociodemographic data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and binary logistic regression were used for analysis at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28.5 ± 6.2 years, more than half were full-time housewives. The majority were Muslims, and 97.6% of the respondents had some level of formal education. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 46.7%. Predictors of EBF were mothers' age (p= 0.001), and mothers' level of education (p= 0.04).

Conclusion: The rate of EBF as compared to the WHO target is still low. More needs to be done in terms of education, health advocacy, and policy as well as family and social support, to ensure the practice of EBF is improved.