Determinants of Tangible Breastfeeding Support Among Health Workers: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is crucial in providing infants with needed nutrition and immunity to foster their healthy growth and development; yet, optimal support from health workers is critical for it to be successful. Aim: To determine factors influencing tangible breastfeeding support among health workers in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones between August 2022 and February 2023 among health workers ( N = 2,922). Data were gathered through an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire. Significant factors of tangible breastfeeding support were identified through multivariable logistic regression, and corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results: The mean age of the health workers was 28.6 ( SD = 9.3) years. Just 45% (1,316) achieved optimal scores for tangible breastfeeding support. Only 31.4% (918) of lactation support providers/specialists practice tangible breastfeeding support and half (50.6%, 1,479) had a favorable attitude towards providing tangible breastfeeding support. About two-fifths (39.3%, 1,148) engaged caregivers in reviewing breast milk storage procedures, whereas, 54.6% (1,595) and 78.0% (2,279) of health workers assisted with breast pumps and breastfeeding attachment respectively. The odds of having optimal tangible breastfeeding support were higher for health workers aged 52 years or older compared to those aged under 20 years (aOR 1.88, 95% CI [1.13, 3.12]), a positive attitude (aOR 1.43, 95% CI [1.22, 1.69]), availability of a breastfeeding champion (aOR 1.47, 95% CI [1.21, 1.79]), 1.69]), provision of breast-pump videos (aOR; 2.33, 95% CI [1.85, 2.95]), and hand-expression videos (aOR; 1.41, 95% CI [1.02, 1.79]). (duplication) Conclusion: Health workers’ tangible breastfeeding support in Nigeria is suboptimal and is driven by age, service level, attitude, availability of breastfeeding champions, and appropriate practice aids. Targeted interventions to improve health workers’ attitudes, technical skills, provision of aids, and task shifting to non-specialists are needed for optimal tangible breastfeeding support.