CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) is one of Nigeria’s premier tertiary health institutions offering antenatal, delivery and postnatal services. Exclusive breastfeeding, defined as feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life with no other liquids or solids, is recommended by the World Health Organization to optimise infant growth and immunity (World Health Organization, 2021). Despite this, the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reported that only 46% of Nigerian infants under six months receive exclusive breastfeeding (National Population Commission & ICF, 2023). In Ibadan, hospital?based studies have identified barriers such as early maternal return to work, cultural beliefs about breast milk insufficiency and limited family support as factors undermining exclusive breastfeeding (Adepoju, Abioye-Kuteyi, & Ogundele, 2022; Olojede, Adebayo, & Lawal, 2024).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although UCH provides antenatal counselling on the benefits and techniques of exclusive breastfeeding, many mothers introduce water or complementary feeds before six months. This practice reduces the protective effect against diarrhoeal and respiratory infections, which remain leading causes of infant illness in southwestern Nigeria (Olojede et al., 2024). The discrepancy between high awareness of breastfeeding benefits and low adherence to guidelines suggests that socio-demographic factors, health service influences and cultural norms may determine mothers’ feeding choices, yet local data on these determinants are scarce.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

Aim:

To identify the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending antenatal and postnatal services at UCH, Ibadan.

Specific Objectives:

1. To assess mothers’ knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding benefits and guidelines
2. To examine maternal attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding and perceived social support
3. To determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months among UCH attendees
4. To identify socio-demographic and health service factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge among antenatal mothers at UCH regarding exclusive breastfeeding?
2. Which attitudes and social support factors influence mothers’ decision to feed exclusively?
3. What proportion of infants born to UCH mothers are exclusively breastfed for six months?
4. Which socio?demographic and health?service factors predict exclusive breastfeeding practice?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This cross-sectional study will involve mothers who deliver at UCH Ibadan and attend follow-up in the postnatal clinic up to six months postpartum. It will assess knowledge, attitudes, social support, health service interactions and socio?demographic characteristics.

References

Adepoju, L. O., Abioye?Kuteyi, E. A., & Ogundele, O. A. (2022). Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria: A hospital?based study in Ibadan. Journal of Maternal and Child Nutrition, 18(4), e13345.

National Population Commission, & ICF. (2023). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023. Abuja, Nigeria: NPC & ICF.

Olojede, O. A., Adebayo, A. M., & Lawal, N. J. (2024). Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in Ibadan: A mixed?methods study. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 27(2), 210–218.

World Health Organization. (2021). Global breastfeeding report card 2021. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.

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