PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS AMONG MEDICAL STAFF AT BANADIR HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a critical strategy to protect infants from malnutrition, which is responsible for 60% of infant deaths worldwide. Despite its importance, there is limited research on EBF practices in Somalia. Objective: This study aims to assess the awareness of EBF among first-time pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and to evaluate the breastfeeding counseling practices of healthcare providers in comparison with WHO recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 first-time expectant mothers who visited antenatal clinics in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Waberi District. Data were collected using questionnaires to assess nurses’ breastfeeding expertise, counseling techniques, women’s breastfeeding knowledge, and their future plans to breastfeed. Results: Only 23.8% of the 94% of women who planned to breastfeed intended to do so exclusively for six months. The majority of women had little to no understanding of EBF; nearly 94% had never received breastfeeding counseling at the prenatal clinic. Instead, 61% learned about breastfeeding from their mothers, grandmothers, and mothers-in-law, and 37.5% believed that glucose water should be administered immediately after delivery. Common reasons for introducing solids included the belief that the baby would be old enough (55%), the baby would be hungry (32.5%), and nursing advice (7.5%). The proximity of the two facilities to major thoroughfares did not impact women’s breastfeeding knowledge, and there were no disparities in breastfeeding knowledge between them. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved breastfeeding counseling and education to ensure optimal EBF practices among first-time mothers in Mogadishu, Somalia.