Prevalence and Factors Hindering First-Time Mothers from Exclusively Breastfeeding in Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV, Bushenyi District Uganda

Lutaaya Musisi Andrew

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months is recommended by the World Health Organization as it provides optimal nutrition for infant growth and development. However, EBF rates remain low globally, particularly among first-time mothers. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of EBF and the factors hindering it among 100 first-time mothers attending Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV in Bushenyi District, Uganda. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, prevalence of EBF, and psychosocial factors affecting EBF. Quantitative data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The highest percentage of first-time mothers was aged 20-24 years (44%). Strikingly, only 4% exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months, with EBF declining sharply as infants aged. The main psychosocial factors hindering EBF were the perception that babies need more than breastmilk (72%), fear of breasts losing shape (59%), and embarrassment about public breastfeeding (56%). Younger age, higher education levels, and certain employment types like part-time and self-employment were associated with lower EBF rates, while housewives practiced EBF more. The EBF rates were alarmingly low among this Ugandan population of first-time mothers. Key barriers included a lack of knowledge about breastmilk’s sufficiency for infant nutrition, concerns about body image, and social norms discouraging public breastfeeding. Interventions promoting EBF through education, skilled support, and workplace policies supporting breastfeeding are critically needed, especially targeting younger and employed mothers. Further qualitative research could provide deeper cultural insights into factors hindering EBF adoption in this context.

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, First-time mothers, Prevalence, Psychosocial factors, Uganda

CITE AS: Lutaaya Musisi Andrew (2024). Prevalence and Factors Hindering First-Time Mothers from Exclusively Breastfeeding in Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV, Bushenyi District Uganda. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 3(1):111-117.