Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Konduga Local Government Area, North East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Aims: To assess knowledge and practices of breastfeeding as well as identify associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months. Place and Duration of the Study The study was conducted in Konduga LGA of Borno State, Nigeria in August, 2018. Methodology: The study focused on 224 mothers of children aged 6-23 months that have ever assessed the health facility for Micronutrient Powder (MNP) supplementation for their index child. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, knowledge of breastfeeding and their practices of breastfeeding. A point was assigned to correct response to each of the two questions used to assess breastfeeding practices, and respondents with two points were categorized as those with effective breastfeeding practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistics regression, with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: A total of 224 respondents were approached for interview and 218 responded, giving a response rate of 97%. Forty-six (21%) of the respondents knew that it is not appropriate to give semi-solid food or water to child that is 4 months old, and 98 (45%) knew that breastfeeding should not be discontinued for a child that is one year of age. Sixty-one (28%) of the respondents practice effective breastfeeding, which was significantly predicted by having formal education (AOR=14.0, 95% CI= 4.0 – 48.6), having a spouse that is educated (AOR=6.0, 95% CI= 2.1- 17.6) and having a male child (AOR=3.2, 95% CI= 1.3 – 8.0). Conclusions: The study findings suggest that effective breastfeeding practice is low among the study participants particularly among the less educated and those having a female child. Interventions targeted at strengthening Infant and Young Child Feeding counseling in the health facility and community are recommended.