ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS ATTENDING CHILD WELFARE CLINIC AT ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six month of life is a globally recommended infants feeding practice due to its significant health benefits for both the child and the mother. However, despite ongoing public health campaign, adherence to EBF remains suboptimal in many settings, including Nigeria. This study aimed to assess 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 design was adopted, the study population comprises of 178 women, systematic sampling was employed, and data was obtained using pre-tested semi-structured administered questionnaires.  SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: The age range of the respondents was 26–35 (42.6%), married 50.5%, secondary education 30.3% and over half were unemployed 60.6%. Good knowledge, attitude and practice of EBF were 35.4%, 38.2% and 28.1% among the respondents.

Conclusion: There was poor knowledge, attitude and practice of EBF among breastfeeding mothers attending child welfare clinic of ATBUTH Bauchi. There are needs for multi‑level interventions spanning individual counseling, community norms transformation, structural workplace change, and supportive policy frameworks.