Knowledge and Attitude of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Hairdresser Apprentices in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study explored the knowledge and attitude concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among young women who are apprenticed to learn hairdressing in Agbowo community, Ibadan, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was cross sectional in design. Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out in Agbowo community in Ibadan-north local government area of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria between January 2012 and June 2012. Methodology: Through the hairdresser's association in the study area, 164 apprentices were enumerated but only 116 met the criteria and consented to participate. Semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demography, knowledge of EBF and attitudes towards breast feeding. Knowledge questions and attitude statements were scored and grouped as adequate or inadequate knowledge; positive or negative attitude. Association between knowledge and socio-demographic variables were explored by chi-square analysis. Results: Most apprentices were between 21-25yrs (49%), attained the senior secondary (SSS) level of education (55.2%) and majority were single (91.4%).While many (63.8%) of the respondents had inadequate knowledge of EBF, nearly all of them (96.4%) had positive attitude to breast feeding. Only 36.23% knew that infants should receive breast milk only, 68.1% would give Original Research Article