Knowledge, Factors, and Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers Attending an Immunisation Clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63950/gshh.2026.2.2.39Keywords:
Exclusive breastfeeding, Knowledge, Practice, Barriers, Nursing mothersAbstract
Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains suboptimal globally despite extensive advocacy, with limited localised evidence on barriers among urban Nigerian mothers. This study assessed knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to EBF among nursing mothers attending an immunisation clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 118 nursing mothers at Oba Ademola II Maternity Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria (August 2025) using a structured questionnaire. We analysed data with SPSS v25 using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.
Results: Most respondents were aged 20–29 years (87.3%), Yoruba (80.5%), and tertiary-educated (90.7%). EBF knowledge was high (mean score 7.27±0.80/8; 89.8% classified as high knowledge). Key facilitators (89–93%) included skin-to-skin contact, family/partner support, and health professional advice. Major barriers were early work return (84.7%), cultural myths (78.8%), maternal exhaustion (80.5%), and public breastfeeding stigma (67.8%). Mothers with high EBF knowledge were significantly more likely to practice EBF (aOR=8.64, 95% CI: 2.37–31.45, p=0.001), as were civil servants (aOR=3.50, 95% CI: 1.45–8.45, p=0.005).
Conclusion: Despite high EBF knowledge, substantial structural and sociocultural barriers persist. Interventions addressing workplace policies, cultural misconceptions, and social support systems are needed.
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The de-identified dataset supporting the findings of this study is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Akinleye OT, Ajibola OO
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