Beliefs Related to Expectant Father’s Support for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria

Fathers are an essential element in the social context of breastfeeding . This study identified salient beliefs about expectant fathers’ support for 6 months Exclusive Breastfeeding. A purposive sample of 39 expectant men aged 33.67 ± 7.02 years resident in Ikenne LGA Nigeria participated. An open-ended theory of planned behaviour based questionnaire was used to collect data. Thematic content analysis followed by a frequency count was used to identify the modal salient beliefs. The salient beliefs were 30: twelve behavioral, 12 normative, and 6 control. Behavioural modal beliefs were that support of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding would motivate a brainy (56%), strong (41%) and generally healthy child (38%). Normative modal beliefs were that grandmothers (26%), family (26%) and health workers approve, while friends (21%) disapprove. Control modal beliefs were time (21%) and nature of work (21%). Beliefs influencing expectant fathers support are similar to those influencing mothers breastfeeding decisions. These can be used in the development of father-focused breastfeeding promotion interventions. Keywords: Beliefs, breastfeeding support, breastfeeding promotion, exclusive breastfeeding, fathers Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/56-05 Publication date: February 29 th 2020