Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude and Intention among Female Young Adults in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The decision to breastfeed is largely dependent on mothers’ breastfeeding knowledge and attitude which are usually formed in their adolescence and early adulthood. It is important to focus research on female young adult who are at the verge of stepping into motherhood. Methods: The breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention of 457 female young adults in Ibadan, Nigeria were assessed through validated breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention scales. Results: Majority (87.5%) of the respondents had never given birth and 74.6% had previously participated in breastfeeding discussions. About half (52.1%) knew breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of birth while 49.9% reported that pre-lacteal feed should not be given to newborn babies. Correct definition of exclusive breastfeeding was given by two-third of the respondents and three-quarter specified that breastfeeding was beneficial to both mother and child. Overall 43.1% of the respondents had good breastfeeding knowledge. About 80% of the respondents agreed that breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour after delivery, 37.8% were of the opinion that breast milk only was not sufficient for infants in the first 6 months of life while about half of the respondents agreed that water should be introduced to babies before 6 months. In all, 53.8% had positive attitude towards breastfeeding. Only a third of the respondents had good breastfeeding intention although 90.6% claimed that they intended to breastfeed. Only 35.9% indicated to have known all it took to breastfeed and 54% intended to introduce breastmilk within 1 hour of birth while 60% had the intention of breastfeeding exclusively. There was significant association between breastfeeding knowledge and attitude as well as breastfeeding knowledge and intention. Conclusion: Female young adult demonstrated relatively fair breastfeeding knowledge and attitude but poor intention to breastfeed. Intervention to improve breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and intention of this population is recommended.