Appraisal of Nursing Mothers’ Knowledge and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Yobe State, Nigeria

Under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria are 75 and 157/1000 live births. Malnutrition and Severe Acute Malnutrition rate accounts for 53% and 12% of under-5 mortality respectively. This paper examines mothers’ knowledge and practices of exclusive breast feeding (EBF). The state was stratified into three senatorial districts. Data were sought and obtained through semi-structured interview schedule from 541 mothers of children 0-12months, 19 focus group discussions and 22 key informant interviews techniques were conducted among community duty-bearers. The result reveals7.4% mothers practiced EBF with > 78.9% initiating breastfeeding after an hour. 57% admitted colostrum, 9% EBF was observed in the rural and 4.9% in urban communities. Early initiation of breastfeeding was higher in urban than rural communities. Social-cultural beliefs play major roles in hindering exclusive breastfeeding. Enlightenment programmes and establishment of breast feeding support groups were suggested for improving practice of EBF. Keywords: Attitude, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Malnutrition, Nursing Mothers, Practice