Introduction: Breast milk is unique and contains the entire nutritional requirement a new born
infants needs for the first year of life. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the consumption of no
other food or liquids except breast milk and drops or syrups consisting of vitamin-mineral supplements
or medicines for at least 4 months and if possible the first 6 months of life. The aim of this study was
to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in Imo
specialist hospital, Owerri, south-eastern Nigeria.
Methods: A cross sectional survey was adopted for this study and 450 randomly selected mothers
of infants who visited Imo State Specialist Hospital for post-natal care were recruited for the study.
A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics
and infant exclusive breastfeeding pattern. Only mothers who gave their consent were recruited and
confidentiality of information was maintained throughout the study period.
Result: The result indicated that majority of the mothers 192 (42.7%) were aged between 25 – 29
years and 225 (50%) attained tertiary education. Most of the mothers were either trader 167(37.1%)
or civil servant (36.0%). The result indicated that 78 (17.3%) of the mothers exclusively breastfed their
baby’s for at least 4 months, while only 27 (6.0%) of the mothers exclusively breastfed their infants
for up 6 months. Initiation of breast milk to infant revealed that 174 (38.7%) of the mothers initiated
breastfeeding less than an hour after delivery, 150 (33.3%) initiated breastfeeding within 2 – 24 hrs.
Socio-demographic factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice (4 – 6 months) includes
age (χ2
= 28.8149, p < 0.001), educational attainment (χ2
= 7.6934, p < 0.021) and average monthly
income (χ2
= 30.8472, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In view of the findings of this study, Mothers should be well informed about the
benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on the child. Health care providers should also be trained on the
principles of exclusive breastfeeding so that they can inform mothers on the best way to practice
exclusive breastfeeding. Government should make policies to extend the period of maternity leave
from 3 months to 6 months as this will help employed mothers achieve a complete exclusive
breastfeeding practice and reduce the problem of child morbidity and mortality in Owerri in particular
and Nigeria in general.