KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEFS ON EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING (EBF) OF NURSING MOTHERS IN BOLGATANGA MUNICIPALITY (GHANA)

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge and beliefs of nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the Bolgatanga municipality using a qualitative approach. A total of 12 nursing mothers recruited from the Bolgatanga Regional hospital were interviewed on their knowledge and beliefs on EBF. Results indicated that participants had basic and inadequate knowledge of EBF though their source of information was primarily from health personnel at the antenatal clinics. Participants’ knowledge of EBF was fundamental since it did not include the benefits to the mother, the immunological and the neurological benefits to the baby, time of initiation of breastfeeding, frequency and pattern of breastfeeding, positioning of the baby and mother during breastfeeding. Most participants had positive perception of EBF since they reported that their babies had not fallen ill since they started breastfeeding. About half of the participants had heard of negative perceptions of EBF from others while the other half had heard of positive ones. Recommendations based on the findings of the study such as proper and intensified education of mothers on EBF and research involving husbands, mother-in laws, older woman who did not practise EBF themselves and various categories of nurses on knowledge and beliefs on EBF were made.