Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities

Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-25102-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Midwifery, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

    CHAPTER TWO

    LITERATURE REVIEW

    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 Conceptual Review
    • 2.3 Theoretical Framework
    • ⋮
    • 2.4 Empirical Studies

    CHAPTER THREE

    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Research Design
    • 3.3 Population of Study
    • 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
    • 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
    • 3.6 Method of Data Collection
    • 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
    • 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
    • 3.9 Ethical Consideration
    • 3.10 Statistical Analysis

    CHAPTER FOUR

    DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
    • 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
    • 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
    • 4.5 Discussion of Findings

    CHAPTER FIVE

    SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Summary of Findings
    • 5.3 Conclusion
    • 5.4 Recommendation
    • 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study

    REFERENCES

    APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”

    Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities

    CHAPTER ONE

    1.1 Introduction

    Exclusive breastfeeding as a contraceptive method was somehow a common practice among the pregnant women had actually used one form of contraceptive. The reasons adduced for those that do not use EBF was because they preferred other contraceptive methods which safer as some complained that it is not effective despite high awareness and knowledge. The commonest methods for contraception were condom followed by withdrawal method. The high condom usage amongst young people which had been attributed to educational campaigns and social marketing of condom in response to the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic, it appears that the message promoting condom usage has debunked fears and it is yielding its desired dividends (Oye-Adeniran et al., 2005).

    As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

    1.2 Background of Study

    Infant feeding methods are a major determinant of infant nutritional status, which in turn, affects infant morbidity and mortality. Among feeding methods, breastfeeding is of particular importance because this practice is fundamental for growth, development, health and survival of infants. Diallo, Bell, Moutquine, & Garrant (2005) stated that about 5.6 million infants die annually because they do not receive adequate nutrition. Breastfeeding therefore has been classified by scientists and health workers as the best natural food for babies and breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for the healthy growth of the child.

    The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous ranging from providing the infant with antibodies, to helping ward off risks of illnesses and providing the baby with all his/her nutritional needs (Mundi, 2008). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2004), breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first six months of life, and it provides about half or more of a child's nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, up to one third during the second year of life. Furthermore, breast milk not only protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases, but also promotes sensory and cognitive development in addition to contributing to the health and well-being of mothers, helping in birth spacing, reducing the risks of ovarian and breast cancers as well as increasing family and national resources (WHO, 2004).

    Generally, breastfeeding is practiced all over the world, though with variation in duration. Considering that the introduction of other food supplements at an early age often increase the risks of infections to the infant which may at times lead to life-threatening conditions such as diarrhoea, the WHO and United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)(2004), recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed for six months and, thereafter, up to 24 months, introducing other supplements to support the infants growth and development.

    In view of the many benefits afforded by mothers and infants in breastfeeding, governments have also set goals and rates for breastfeeding practices. The Nigerian government has earmarked six University Teaching Hospitals as Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) centres, in Benin, Enugu, Maiduguri, Lagos, Jos, and Port-Harcourt, with the objective of reducing infant malnutrition, morbidity and mortality, as well as promoting the health of mothers. Since the inception of BFHI in 1991, a series of programmes, seminars, workshops and conferences aimed at promoting breastfeeding practices have been organized.

    The BFHI itself has proved to be an effective method of improving breastfeeding practices worldwide (Salami, 2006). To further strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, government also approved a breastfeeding policy in 1998. The code on the marketing of substitutes of breast milk was reviewed and amended in May, 1999, to further introduce stiffer fines and a clearer definition of breast milk substitutes. These measures are aimed at increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding as well as the early initiation of breastfeeding so as to achieve the World Summit on Children 1990 goal of universal exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months of age (Mundi, 2008).

    The high contraceptive knowledge, attitude and perception of exclusive breastfeeding as a contraceptive method and educational level did not reflect on the contraceptive usage level in this study. This may be due largely to misconceptions that are yet unresolved in the minds of the people and education on the various methods of contraception may be what is missing to unravel the myths and to state the realities or facts behind the various contraceptive methods. Hence there is need for an aggressive target oriented information dissemination using all the available means especially the mass media, opinion leaders in the community, religious leader, husbands, mothers, relatives, doctors, nurses and all those involved in contraceptive promotion practices.

    These dwindling attitudes regarding the practice of exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding have been attributed to several socio-economic, cultural and socio-demographic factors as it affects the development of children. Thus, this research project purposed to examine the Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Benue State Rural Communities.

    1.3 Statement of Problem

    Investigation revealed that breastfeeding practices have undergone tremendous medical, cultural and sometimes religious challenges and debate. There has not been a mechanism put in place to keep proper or concrete records on the activities as well as indicators of Exclusive Breastfeeding and mothers support groups in hospitals, polyclinics and health centres in Nigeria (UNICEF; WABA, 2003).

    It is not definite or clear whether demographic factors significantly or insignificantly influence the practice of exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding. It is worthy of note that up till recently, the principal foci of attention has been demographic factors and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. None of the studies conducted over the years concern itself much with demographic factors and the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities

    1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

    The aim of the study is to examine the Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to:

    1. Find out the knowledge and practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Contraceptive by pregnant Women.
    2. Determine the relationship between educational qualification and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women;
    3. Determine the relationship between contraceptive attitude and perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women;
    4. Ascertain the relationship between awareness level and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women;
    5. Find out the relationship between Attitude about Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive and perception among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities.

    1.5 Research Questions

    The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

    • What is the knowledge and practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Contraceptive by pregnant Women?
    • What is the relationship between educational qualification and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women?
    • What is the relationship between contraceptive attitude and perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women?
    • What is the relationship between awareness level and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive among pregnant women?
    • What is the relationship between Attitude about Exclusive Breastfeeding as Contraceptive and perception among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Rural Communities?

    1.6 Significance of Study

    The findings of this study will provide a current perceptual database that will inform all of us and more importantly the policy makers on the feelings and views of the mothers about exclusive breastfeeding so that appropriate alternatives to motivate the indulgence of exclusive breastfeeding and its support, would be developed by Breastfeeding mothers, helpers and the populace of Nigeria.

    The findings will also help health educators, nurses, nutritionists and curriculum planners to develop informed programmes for nursing mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding. This in addition, would update the curriculum to educate students in higher institutions of learning in preparing for future parenthood to adopt an effective method of breastfeeding the baby.

    1.7 Scope of Study

    This research project is focused on examining the Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Birth Control Method among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Benue State Rural Communities.

    1.8 Limitations of the Study

    During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

    1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
    2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
    3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
    4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

    1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

    These are precise descriptions of how to derive a value for characteristics the researcher is measuring. It also entails how specific these characteristics are;

    Exclusive breastfeeding: This means giving a baby only breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water unless medically indicated. This should be for the first 6 months (NIYCF, 2007).

    Exclusive Replacement Feeding: This is the process of feeding a child who is not breastfeeding with a diet that provides all the nutrients the child needs until the child is fully fed on family foods. Infant formula is recommended for exclusive replacement feeding when AFASS (Acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe) is met (NIYCF, 2007).

    Knowledge: To have information in one's mind as a result of experience or because you have learned or been told (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).

    Attitude: The way one thinks feels or behaves about somebody or something (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2005).

    Perception: Knowledge, Practice, Attitudes and beliefs about exclusive breastfeeding.

    Bottle feeding: Feeding an infant from a bottle, whatever is in the bottle including expressed milk (NIYCF, 2007).

    …

    CHAPTER TWO

    2.0 Literature Review

    2.1 Introduction

    This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

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