A Community-Based Study on Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Knowledge among Mothers in Southeastern Nigeria

A bstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means feeding a baby only breast milk, with no additional food or drink except for prescribed medicines, during the first 6 months of life. While many campaigns have created a high awareness of EBF in many regions of Nigeria, knowledge remains low. Research indicates that while awareness of EBF exists, a comprehensive understanding of its benefits among mothers is often lacking. Objectives: To determine the awareness, commonest source of information, knowledge, and predictors of knowledge of EBF among mothers in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three healthcare centers, involving 600 women attending antenatal clinics for themselves or pediatric/immunization clinics for their babies, and having at least a child that is over 6 months of age. Data was collected via pretested questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. A multivariate logistic regression model with an adjusted odd ratio (AOR) was employed to determine the predictors of EBF at 95% confidence interval. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Awareness of EBF was 99%, and 76% demonstrated good knowledge of EBF, with the hospital being the major source of information (81.8%). A total of 264 mothers (44%) were aware of the protective effects of EBF against ovarian and breast cancers. The observed predictors of knowledge of EBF were age (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.4–10.8; P = 0.012), mother’s education (AOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9; P = 0.013), husband’s education (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.2–0.5; P < 0.001), employment status (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.7; P = 0.009), and number of children (AOR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.8–15.8; P = 0.002). Conclusion: The awareness of EBF is very high in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Although the knowledge of EBF is also high, specific knowledge of the maternal aspects is suboptimal. Targeted educational programs with respect to the observed predictors should be instituted at the health centers to improve the knowledge of the maternal health benefits of EBF in the community.