Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF): The Need to Focus on the Adolescents

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breast feeding among 377 female students of School of Health Technology, Ilesha and to compare their responses with 60 primigravidae attending antenatal clinic in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The ages of the subjects ranged from 15 to 34 years. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire. Approximately 47% of the total population were grouped under low level of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. There was no significant relationship in terms of knowledge between the two groups. There was, however, a significant relationship between the age of subjects and increased level of knowledge about EBF. Seventy percent of the primigravidae were graded as having poor attitudes as compared with 18% of the female students. About 42% of the total population would give water and glucose D water to neonates within 72 hours after delivery. These findings further suggest that planners of the Baby Friendly Initiative need to focus more on adolescents and the primigravidae in the promotion of breastfeeding.