Factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

A study to elucidate the factors that influence successful Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) was carried out by administering a structured interview questionnaire prospectively on three hundred and thirty three nursing mothers attending Family Health Clinic, Jos University Teaching Hospital from October 1997 to June 1998. 136 (40.9%) of their 333 babies were exclusively breast fed for six months from birth. Mothers' literacy level of 75.6% had a statistically significant positive effect on the practice of EBF (P < 0.05). A high percentage (97.6%) attended Ante-natal clinic but 44% delivered at home. Home delivery was found to have a statistically significant negative effect on the practice of EBF P > 0.001. The drop-out rate on EBF for working nursing mothers was 58% (Discontinued EBF on resumption of duty from maternity leave). Students who had babies during school sessions also recorded a similar drop-out rate (57%). Although there was no statistically significant association between mothers occupation and the practice of EBF, full-time house wives practiced EBF least. The reason was attributed to environment (family influence). The study highlighted the need to get the mothers and mothers-in-law of nursing mothers involved in the promotion of EBF. They are known to command much respect and their opinion is well respected in the family when a new baby arrives. The extension of maternity leave to six months for a working mother is very necessary if she is expected to breast feed for six months and at the same time work to earn a living in an ailing economy.