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ABSTRACT
This study assessed knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among antenatal clinic attendees in Ugbowo Primary Health Centre, Benin City. Four research questions and one hypothesis were formulated for the study. The population of the study comprised of one-hundred and eight-two antenatal (182) attendees, from which a sample of ninety-one (91) respondents was chosen. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data collected were anlayssed using mean, standard deviation and t-test statistics. Results showed that mothers had adequate knowledge about EBF as it relates to making babies healthy, does not make mother’s baby slim or lose weight and does not lead to illness in the mother. Furthermore, it was indicated that factors such as religion, spouse/family, fear of malnourishment in babies and breast-sagging in mothers were not factors influencing practice of EBF. However, job/occupation of the mother was revealed as factor influencing practice. Moreover, the study showed that the mothers rejected the notions that EBF increases the risk of disease infection in babies, impairs child’s growth, prevents child mortality and is more expensive than formular products. However, the notion that EBF is an effective method of child spacing was accepted. Also, a significant relationship between knowledge of EBF and level of education of mothers of reported. The study therefore recommended that public health practitioners should consider regular community-based enlightenment of mothers in the studied area on the nature and importance of exclusive breastfeeding, government should improve on time allowance and priviledges granted to nursing mothers who are in government paid-job and mothers should strive to afford themselves of the benefits inherent in practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
