EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND HEALTH OF CHILDREN 0-6 MONTHS IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page………………..i
Certification……………ii
Dedication………………iii
Acknowledgment……….iv
Abstract…………………vi
Table of content………vii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of Problem
The objective of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Scope of Study
Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
GLOBAL CONCEPT ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
Concept of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria
Conceptual Review
Level of awareness of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers
Level of the practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers.
Impact of Exclusive breastfeeding on Health of Children 0 – 6months
Theoretical Review
Application to the Study
Empirical Review
The Level of Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers
Impact of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Health of Children 0-6months
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Setting
Target Population
Sampling
Sampling Technique
An instrument for Data Collection
Validity of Instrument
Reliability of Instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis
Ethical Consideration
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT
Presentation of Result using Tables and Charts
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Identify Key Findings
Research Question 1
Research Question 2
Research Question 3
The implication of Findings with Literature Support
Alignment of Findings with Previous Studies Cited
Implications of Findings to Nursing
Limitations of the Study
Summary of the Study
Conclusion
Recommendations
Suggestions for Further Study
REFERENCES
QUESTIONNAIRE
RELIABILITY TESTING
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Human milk is the ideal nourishment for infant’s; survival, growth and development. It contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life and is regarded as perfect, natural and protective food for newborns. However, only a minority of nursing mothers exclusively breastfeed.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) means that the infant receives only breast milk, it is the application of break milk alone in the feeding of a baby for at least four months and if possible six months of life, without the addition of water, food or drinks. The baby however receives vitamins, minerals and medicines in the form of drops and syrups as need arises (Enif, 2013).
Exclusive breastfeeding is important for child health and growth, starting breastfeed for the first 6months of life are regarded as the best infant feeding plan for optimal growth, intellectual development and health. Given that prolonging lives (by reducing mortality) and preventing disease goals of public health (Brulde, 2011).
Although the health benefits of breastfeeding are widely acknowledged, opinions and recommendations are strongly divided on the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority, however, in reality most of the mothers are unable to practice exclusive breastfeeding because of lack of confidence in their ability to breastfeed, problem with infant suckling, breast pain, perception of insufficient milk, in addition to other unspecified difficulties. Some of the problems can be solved if women are counseled antenatally about the benefits of breastfeeding and prepared mentally for exclusive breastfeeding.
The researcher observed during her clinical experience at Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo that most nursing mothers did not exclusively breastfeed their babies which adversely exposed the infants to diarrhoea, eczema, infant obesity, vomiting etc. This therefore motivated the researcher to look into exclusive breastfeeding and health children 0-6 months in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Statement of Problem
Breast milk is critical for sustaining newborn infant health and wellbeing. Exclusive breastfeeding is known to be most effective preventive intervention to reduce early childhood mortality. Optimum breastfeeding practices i.e. exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding to twelve (12) months – tops the list of preventive interventions that would most reduce the number of death of children less than 5years old from all causes.
As well as benefits for the baby in terms of survival, breastfeeding has other advantages. It is easier to carryout than feeding formula, it takes no preparation; is also at the correct temperature etc. Despite exclusive breastfeeding recommendation, it’s prevalence is poor and while breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour.
Decisions about infant feeding are embedded and are continuously made within a mother’s social and cultural context. Despite the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, practices are not the norm in many countries including Nigeria and large differences exist in the exclusive breastfeeding rates between religions and among regions. The promotion and support of exclusive breastfeeding take a different type of engagement from the health system because breastfeeding is a social behaviour and not a medical practice.
The researcher observed during her clinical experience at Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo that many nursing mothers refused to practice exclusive breastfeeding on their infant 0 – 6months of age because of the fear of changes in the shape of their breast, ignorance, insufficient time, some being career women when counselled despite the associated benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Based on the above observation, the researcher was prompted to assess Exclusive Breast Feeding and Health of Children 0 -6months in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The objective of the Study
To determine the level of awareness of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in maternal and child Health centre, Uyo.
To determine the level of practice of exclusive breastfeeding of children 0 – 6months among mother in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo.
To assess the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on health of children 0 – 6months among mother in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo.
Research Questions
What is the level of awareness on exclusive breastfeeding of children 0 – 6months among mothers in Maternal and children Health Centre, Uyo?
What is the level of practice of exclusive breastfeeding on children 0 – 6months among mothers in Maternal and Child Health center, Uyo?
What impact does exclusive breastfeeding have on children 0 – 6months in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo?
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will be useful to:
Improve the adoption and practice of exclusive breastfeeding and thus limit infant mortality.
Identify factors associated with unacceptance to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Government agencies example UNICEF/WHO, are interested in promoting exclusive breastfeeding in planning strategies for improvement.
Provide adequate information to minimize delay in initiation of breastfeeding to health facilities when exclusive breastfeeding is possible.
Health educators and all those interested in passing the information based on the principles of exclusive breastfeeding.
Scope of Study
This study was directed on exclusive breastfeeding and Health of Children 0 – 6months among mothers in Maternal and Child Health Centre, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Operational Definition of Terms
Exclusive breastfeeding: Is giving the infant only breast milk throughout the first six (6) months of life except drugs.
Health: State of physical, mental, and social level of wellness.
Children: Age range of 6 – 6 months.
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