Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers aged 15-19 years attending the postnatal clinic at Entebbe regional referral hospital in Wakiso district.  	A cross-sectional study.

Babra  Arotin; Hasifa  Nansereko; Jane Frank  Nalubega; Edith  Akankwasa; Elizabeth  Okello; Immaculate  Naggulu Posperia

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2204

Authors

Babra Arotin Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Hasifa Nansereko Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Edith Akankwasa Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Elizabeth Okello Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Immaculate Naggulu Posperia Mildmay Uganda School of Nursing and Midwifery.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2204

Keywords:

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), Lactating mothers (15-19 years), Postnatal clinic, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background.

EBF is a global health priority due to its proven benefits for both infant survival and maternal well-being; however, its practice remains minimal in many regions, particularly among adolescent mothers. This study determined the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers aged 15-19 years attending the postnatal clinic at Entebbe regional referral hospital in Wakiso district.

Methodology.

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to select 36 mothers using a simple random sampling method, collecting data using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS computer programs for presentation of tables and figures. Responses for open-ended questions were summarized and given themes before tallying them for analysis.

Results.

18(50%) of the study participants were self-employed, and 52.8% of the respondents were Baganda tribe. 20(55.6%) of the respondents reported to receive breastfeeding counselling at the health facility, 28(77.8%) of the respondents that their hospital stays when receiving proper breast-feeding education and support was sufficient, 26(72.2%) of the respondents said there was no any promotion of formula supplementation at the health facility, 20(55.6%) of the respondents had 3 and more antenatal visits, 18(50%) of the respondents reported that sometimes cultural or social background affect the decision to exclusively breastfeed and 18(50%) of the respondents were never concerned about the image of their babies due to EBF.

Conclusion.

Health facility support, particularly through antenatal counseling and hospital policies that discourage formula supplementation, plays a key role in promoting EBF.

Recommendation.

Providing follow-up EBF counseling after hospital discharge, through phone calls or community health workers, to assist adolescent mothers in maintaining EBF.

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