FACTORS AFFECTING EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN GOMBE HOSPITAL, BUTAMBALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Authors

  • Gladys Uwizera St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.
  • Donatus Kimera St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.214

Keywords:

Exclusive Breast Feeding, Postnatal Mothers, Gombe Hospital, Butambala District

Abstract

Background:
The study explored factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in Gombe Hospital, Butambala District. The objectives that guided the study were: to identify socio-economic factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding practices, challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, and mothers’ knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.
Methodology:
This study was quantitative; 40 participants were selected using convenience sampling.
The study was carried out in Gombe Hospital's young child clinic in January 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results:
More than half of the mothers did not get help from staff on breastfeeding (72.5%), and 67.5% did not receive any help on positioning and attaching their babies to the breast. Some of the barriers found included the widely-held perception that infants needed water and formula to supplement, concern that breast milk alone does not satisfy the infant, inadequate infant feeding education and support by the health system, and the lack of community-based postnatal support and family influence.
Conclusion:
Midwives and health workers need to spend more time supporting and educating women about breastfeeding.
Recommendations:
There is a need for more training, follow-up, and research.

 

Author Biographies

Gladys Uwizera , St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

is a Student at St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

Donatus Kimera, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools

is a Tutor at St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

Downloads

Published

2023-03-30

How to Cite

Uwizera , G. ., & Kimera, D. (2023). FACTORS AFFECTING EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN GOMBE HOSPITAL, BUTAMBALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 4(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.214

Issue

Section

Section of Food science and Nutrition