FACTORS INFLUENCING ADHERENCE TO EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING AMONG MOTHERS OF INFANTS AGED 0-6 MONTHS ATTENDING MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CLINIC AT JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFFERAL HOSPITAL IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

EBF of a child remains the best and safest source of nutrition for the vast majority of infants worldwide. However, this recommended practice is hardly adopted by many mothers as no more than 35% of infants are exclusively breastfed globally. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing adherence to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants aged 0-6 months attending Maternal Child Health (MCH) clinic at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu County, Kenya. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to recruit 60 respondents for the study using a purposive sampling technique. The researcher found that 64% of the respondents agreed that prelacteal feeds should be commenced as soon as baby is born, 69%of the respondents stated that the number of children a mother has could influence adherence to exclusive breastfeeding and 73% stated that infants should be given mixture of feeds during the course of breastfeeding. The researcher concluded that demographic factors such as age of the mother, marital status, level of education and number of children a mother has influences adherence to exclusive breast feeding. Cultural factors influencing adherence to exclusive breast feeding include; cultural beliefs and practices such as belief that milk alone is not enough for infant before 6 months and belief that colostrum is harmful for infant. Maternal factors influencing adherence to exclusive breast feeding include; Maternal health status, type of a job of a mother, knowledge of a mother about benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal attitudes and practices towards breast feeding.The study concluded that both demographic and cultural factors, as well as maternal health and employment status, are key determinants in the adherence to EBF. It is recommended that education and support programs be strengthened to address cultural misconceptions and empower mothers to adhere to EBF guidelines.