Breastfeeding Support among Healthcare Workers in Nigeria

AbstractBackgroundThe exclusive breastfeeding rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is abysmally low, and based on current trends, achieving the World Health Organization's (WHO) global nutrition goal of a 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2025 will require an additional three decades.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study involving healthcare workers (HCWs) providing direct care to breastfeeding mothers in six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. HCWs were recruited using a stratified random sampling method, with a minimum sample size of 1,537. Data was collected through validated-interviewer-administered-questionnaires.ResultsThe mean age of the 1,294 study respondents is 35.2±10.0 years, with a M: F of 1:3. Although general breastfeeding knowledge was high (91.7%), specific knowledge such as breastfeeding in mothers with breast cancer (13.4%) and hepatitis B (59.4%) was inadequate. Only 18.9% correctly identified the laid-back and cross-cradle breastfeeding positions. Negative attitudes towards breastfeeding support were associated with being a female HCWs [AOR of 1.735 (95% CI: 1.287, 2.698)], and a doctor [AOR of 2.079, 95% CI: 1.085,3.948)]. Suboptimal instructional support practice was associated with lower educational levels [AOR of 4.099 (95% CI 1.276,13.161)], being a doctor [AOR of 3.469 (95% CI 1.531,7.862. Optimal general knowledge of breastfeeding was less associated with having a positive attitude toward breastfeeding support [AOR of 0.685 (95% CI 0.532, 0.881].ConclusionHCWs displayed Optimal overall knowledge of breastfeeding, but specific areas such as breastfeeding in relation to maternal illnesses, and positioning were lagging. A targeted program is necessary to enhance breastfeeding support knowledge and attitudes, particularly among female HCWs and physicians.