PSYCHO SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING (EBF) OF NURSING MOTHERS IN THE BOLGATANGA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative approach and used in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of nursing mothers in the Bolgatanga municipality regarding psychosocial factors influencing their practice of EBF. From the interviews, psychosocial factors influencing the practice of EBF include the health of the mother, public attitude, work and customs and beliefs of society .Very important findings also emerged indicating the poor efforts put in by health workers in the promotion of the practice. These findings include inadequate knowledge on EBF by participants, a high influence of customs and norms of society on EBF, absence of mother support groups in the municipality and inadequate knowledge on when to introduce complementary feeding. These psychosocial factors have contributed immensely to the low patronage of EBF in the municipality. Also breastfeeding mothers are faced with multiple challenges as they strive to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Recommendations included intensification of education on EBF in the media, hospitals and homes by the MOH/GHS and health personnel; making clear the position of MOH on the policy regarding whether or not HIV/AIDS mothers should breastfeed to all healthcare institutions and promotion of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding among mothers.