TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rural Areas of Brobo (Côte d’Ivoire)
AUTHORS:
Aka-Tanoh Koko Aude-Hélène, Avi-Siallou Christelle Honorine, Yeboua Kossonou Roland, Yao Kouassi Christian, Akandji Iburaima, Adou Leioh Roméo, Sahi Gnantin Landryse, Amani Ehi Alexise, Asse Kouadio Vincent
KEYWORDS:
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Rural Environment, Infant, Brobo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.11 No.4,
December
8,
2021
ABSTRACT: Introduction:In C?te d’Ivoire, despite awareness raising among
mothers by health authorities and health care providers, the exclusive
breastfeeding rate is still low, 23%. This rate seems even lower in rural
areas. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and
practices of mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding for the reduction of
malnutrition in rural areas. Methods: This was a descriptive and
analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Brobo from July to September
2020. It included consenting mothers of infants aged 0 to 24 months. Mothers’
knowledge, attitudes and practice were assessed by an anonymous structured
questionnaire with a performance threshold set at 75%. Factors associated with
exclusive breastfeeding were investigated by the Chi-square test at the 5%
level of significance. Results: The average age of the 183 mothers was
25 years (extremes 13 and 49 years). They were primigravida (33%) and had a low
socioeconomic level (84%). The mothers knew the definition of exclusive
breastfeeding (33%). They knew that breastfeeding promoted ideal infant growth
(64%) and protected against diarrhea and infection (18%). They also knew that
breastfeeding reduced the mother’s risk of cancer (16%) and strengthened the
mother-infant bond (7%). The mothers interviewed stated that they had put the
baby to the breast within the first hour after delivery in 2% and 63% of them
gave the baby colostrum. Mothers were confident about breastfeeding (91%) and
exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age represented 9%. The factor
associated with lack of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was not attending
school (OR 0.26; 95%CI 0.14 - 0.48; p - 22.21; p = 0.03) and
multiparity (OR 0.30; 95%CI 0.09 - 0.97; p =
0.04). Conclusion: The mothers interviewed in the rural areas of Brobo
have insufficient knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding exclusive
breastfeeding. To improve this situation, we recommend capacity building of
mothers through awareness raising.