Awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding among mothers and its influence on the breastfeeding practices in Jos

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is an effective intervention to reduce child morbidity and mortality. The third of ten steps to successful breastfeeding is to inform all pregnant mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. This awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding bybreastfeeding/Nursing mothers may serve as a motivation for good breastfeeding practices. The aim of this study therefore was to determine awareness of breastfeeding benefits among nursing mothers in Jos and its relationship with selected breastfeeding practices

Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out among 482 breastfeeding mothers in 6 immunization clinics in Jos. Information on sociodemographics, breastfeeding practices and Mothers' level of awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. The awareness level was then graded good, fair and no awareness. Bivariate analysis was done using SPSS 21

Results: Of the 482 nursing mothers interviewed, 77.6% were assessed to have good knowledge, 8% had fair, while 14.5% had no knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding. Significantly more women of younger ages, lower socioeconomic status, lower education and unskilled had No awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding.Good breastfeeding practices and intention to breastfeed for more than a year were associated with good level of awareness.

Keywords: Awareness, Benefits, Breastfeeding, Mothers, Influence, Practices