Intention to Breastfeed Among Female Students of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria.

Abstract Introduction: Breastfeeding is a public health practice that is critical for the survival of infants and young children. Despite the well documented advantages of breastfeeding to both the child and mother, it is surprising to note that the rate of breastfeeding especially exclusive breastfeeding is quite low in many countries. The possible reason may be because most of the efforts and activities directed at improving the breastfeeding rate and duration are targeted at pregnant women and post-partum period.This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and future intention to breastfeed among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria.Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among female students of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. By convenience sampling, female students were invited to participate in the study after giving verbal consent and those that were thirty years old and above, medical or nursing students were excluded. The questionnaire used for this study was self-administered. The proforma was designed to assess the students’ knowledge about breastfeeding, attitude, beliefs, and future intention towards breastfeeding.Data analysis was with SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were summarized as percentages. Consensus index was calculated for the questions on the knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding and the perception of breastfeeding.Result: One thousand, three hundred and twelve (1312) students participated in the study. Only 58% of the respondents defined exclusive breastfeeding correctly. The participants displayed a particularly good knowledge of the importance of breast milk for the brain growth as 93% of the respondents agreed that breast milk is important for the development of the infant’s brain. As much as 51% of the respondents agreed that breast milk is not needed after infancy. Only 34% of the respondents indicated their intention to breastfeed their future babies, 6.5% said no.Conclusion: This study revealed that most of the future mothers have poor knowledge and beliefs about breastfeeding as well as negative attitude toward breastfeeding, hence there is need to step up awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits among this huge population of future mothers.