Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Breastfeeding Moth‑ers Attending Child Welfare Clinic at ATBUTH Bauchi, Bauchi State

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a globally recommended infant feeding practice due to its significant health benefits for both the child and the mother. However, despite ongoing
public health campaigns, adherence remains low in Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among breastfeeding mothers attending the child welfare clinic at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 178 breastfeeding mothers using systematic sampling. Data were collected with a pre‑tested, semi‑structured interviewer‑administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25.0 using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found that 35.4% of mothers had good knowledge of EBF, 38.2% had a positive attitude, and 28.1% practiced EBF for six months. Conclusion: This study reveals significant gaps in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF among mothers at ATBUTH. To improve adherence, multi‑level interventions are urgently needed, including intensified health worker‑led counseling, community education programs, and the implementation of supportive workplace and policy frameworks.