Assessing the influence of stress, work and age on coping behaviour patten of selected breast-feeding mothers in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of stress, age and work on the coping behaviour of breast-feeding mothers. A total of three hundred breast-feeding mothers with age ranged between 17-40 years, mean age 23.6 years and SD 11.2 were randomly selected from five different maternity clinics in Ekpoma metropolis and its environs. Two major psychological instruments, Breast-Feeding Associated Distress scale (BFDS) and Coping Behaviour Inventory (CBI) designed by the researcher were administered on the respondents. Results show that breast-feeding mothers with low distress coped better than mothers with high distress F =49.3, (P>.05). Old nursing mothers coped less than younger mothers, F =4.17, (P<.05). Working mothers coped better than non-working mothers, F =5.43, (P<.05). There was no interaction effect between stress, age and work on coping among breast-feeding mothers (P>. 05). The implication of the study is that there is need to reduce stress associated with breast-feeding. Also mothers should be encouraged, educated and properly enlightened to breastfeed their babies adequately, on demand, effectively and regularly to improve maternal and child health.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 15 (2) 2007: pp. 179-189