CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Breastfeeding
is the very first stage of improving child’s survival. Breast milk as food for
infants is very beneficial for the all round growth of a child. It enhances the
physical, mental, and social growth of a child. Breast milk contains many
nutritional values like antibodies which boost the immunity of a child,
prevents child mortality and morbidity. Breast milk has an enormous impact on
the health of infants, most especially those who weighed less at birth. It has
been discovered that breast milk is far more nutritious than processed milk. Aside
from the benefits of breast milk on an infant, breastfeeding creates an
inevitable bond between a mother and her child (Heckman
J.J, 2011).
World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations
International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recommended breast milk as an
ideal food for infants, and that is why in the past decades, these
organizations have been encouraging mothers worldwide to embrace the practice
of breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).
Exclusive breastfeeding according to WHO entails
feeding an infant with just breast milk (and syrups if need be) for six months
and after that period of time give the infant complementary food (Cattaneo
et al., 2000). It has been revealed by a study that
infants who are not fed with breast milk at the first 60 days of their birth are
likely to die from infection than those who are breastfed (WHO, 2014).
Exclusive breastfeeding has a dual advantage on both a child and his mother.
Apart from ensuring the good health of a child, it saves cost for the mother;
as well as prevent her from breast cancer and other related diseases.
However, despite the recommendation of Exclusive breastfeeding
by WHO, the rate of Nigerian mothers who practice EBF is fluctuating. A study
proved that the rate of children between ages 1-5 who are exclusively fed
dropped from 18% in 2003 to 12% in 2008 and 12% in 2010 and returned to 18% in
2010; consequently, increasing the rate of child mortality (NPC and ICF macro,
2008). It was still discovered in this study that the number of people who are
enlightened about EBF in the urban areas of Nigeria is higher than those in the
rural areas and this poses a threat on the importance of EBF (NPC and
ICF Macro, 2009).
Not minding
the enormous benefits of EBF, Nigerian mothers for reasons best known to them
do not practice EBF. Some of them who sluggishly try to practice it might just
do it partially not up to six months, while some could be based on their
cultural beliefs as some traditions in Nigeria see EBF as being unnecessary and
some this obnoxious idea of their breast sagging due to breastfeeding.
Based on the many factors that could hamper the
practice of breastfeeding in Nigeria, this study is aimed at discovering the
attitude and perception of nursing mothers in Uyo LGA. To know their thoughts
on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Due
to the reduction in the rate of breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Nigeria,
particularly nursing mothers in Uyo LGA, this study discovered some problems
associated with this.
One
of such problem is the high level of poverty in the country. Some nursing
mothers have this notion that it is only the rich mothers that can practice
EBF; reason being that a mother who is breastfeeding must feed very well. She
is expected to feed at least 8 times in a day. Considering the economic
situation of things, which mother has the food in her kitchen to feed up to
such number of times?
In
addition to the aforementioned point, in many homes in Nigeria, some mothers
are the bread winners in their homes. This makes them go out to hustle for
money; thereby not having the needed time for to breast feed their babies.
Another
problem of this study is the fact that some cultural beliefs in Nigeria kick
against EBF. A good example is the Yoruba culture which so much belief in the
giving of an infant some herbs to keep the child healthy. They belief it is
unnecessary to feed a child with just breast milk.
Also,
the problem of poor sensitization of nursing mothers on the nitty-gritty of EBF
poses a challenge, as some nursing mothers have various negative feelings about
EBF. This is common to nursing mothers who live in the rural parts of the
country.
These
are some of the problems observed could affect the attitude and perception of
nursing mothers in Uyo LGA towards EBF.
1.3 Aims/ Objectives of the study
The
major aim of this study is to know the attitude and perception of nursing
mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Nigeria (a case study of Uyo
LGA).
Other
specific objectives include:
1. To
examine the factors that can hamper the practice of EBF in Uyo LGA.
2. To
ascertain the extent at which nursing mothers in Uyo LGA are well enlightened
about EBF.
3. To
determine whether EBF can drastically reduce the rate of child mortality in Nigeria.
4. To
determine ways nursing mothers in Uyo LGA can be encouraged to practice EBF.
1.4 Research questions
1. What
are the attitude and perception of nursing mothers in Uyo LGA towards EBF?
2. Are
there factors that can hamper the practice of EBF in Uyo LGA?
3. Can
EBF drastically reduce the rate of child mortality in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0: There
are no factors that can hamper the practice of EBF in Uyo LGA.
H1: There
are factors that can hamper the practice of EBF in Uyo LGA.
1.6 Significance of the study/
Justification of the study
This study is meant to educate the
general public, especially nursing mothers on the benefits of EBF.
It is also meant to inform the
government that they have a role to play in enlightening the general public,
especially nursing mothers on the need to practice EBF.
This study will be of immense benefit
to other researchers who intend to know more on this topic and can also be used
by non-researchers to build more on their work. This study
contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other work or study.
1.7 Scope/ Limitations of the study
This
study is restricted on the attitude and perception of nursing mothers towards
exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria, with Uyo LGA as a case study.
Limitations of study
1.
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the
efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature
or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire
and interview).
2.
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously
engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down
on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 Definition
of terms
Attitude:
A
predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a
certain idea, object, person, or situation.
Perception:
This is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through
the senses or the way in which something is regarded, understood, or
interpreted.
EBF
(Exclusive Breastfeeding): This means that the infant
receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given – not even
water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of
vitamins, minerals or medicines.
WHO
(World Health Organization): This is a
specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international
public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland.
UNICEF
(United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund):
Is a United Nations’
programme headquartered in New York City that provides humanitarian and
developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.
References
Heckman JJ. Factors influencing milk production in
nursing mothers. 2011. http://child-encyclopedia.com. [Assessed 12/04/12].
Cattaneo
A, Davanzo R, Ronfani L (2000). Are data on the prevalence and duration of
breastfeeding reliable? The case of Italy. Acta Paediatr. 89:88-93.
WHO
(2014) Exclusive breastfeeding.
Nutrition.
National
Population Commission (NPC) [Nigeria] and ICF Macro. Nigeria Demographic and
Health Survey; 2008. Abuja, Nigeria.
National
Population Commission. Nigeria Demographic And Health Survey; 2009 (Preliminary
Report).