Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics

Niger J Paed 2015; 42 (2): 126 -131
ORIGINALS Breastfeeding practices in early infancy in Benin city, Nigeria
Akpan UJ Ibadin MO Abiodun PO DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njp.v42i2.11 Accepted: 29th February 2012 Akpan UJ Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Ibadin MO, Abiodun PO Department of Paediatrics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.	Abstract: Background: Adequate early infant nutrition is essential for subsequent optimum growth and development of the child. Exclusive breastfeeding is the cornerstone of the best possible nutrition in early infancy. Objective: To assess current breastfeeding practices in early infancy in Benin City and further progress ( if any) that may have been made in the realisation of optimal early infant feeding practices in the locale in the preceding decade. Methods: A community-based household survey was carried out in three representative wards in Egor Local Government Area of Benin City, from June to September, 2009. Infant feeding practices were evaluated using pre-tested questionnaires on 1068 mothers of infants aged less than 12 months. Result: Five hundred and forty-six (51.1%) infants were aged less than 6 months. The Ever Breastfed Rate was 100.0% while the Timely Suckling Rate was 35.5%. The Exclusive and Predominant Breastfeeding Rates were respectively 40.7% and 30.4% while the Bottle-feeding Rate was 32.2%. Most (98.4%) mothers had correct information about exclusive breastfeeding obtained mainly from antenatal clinics and immunization centres. Factors significantly associated with EBF were high maternal education (X2 = 9.718; p = 0.045), high socioeconomic status (X2 = 12.910; p = 0.012), increasing maternal age (X2 = 14.777; p = 0.022), higher parity (X2 = 15.212; p = 0.009), delivery in hospital (X2 = 15.079; p = 0.020) and infant’s age (X2 = 100.482; P = 0.0001). Conclusions/Recommendations: Breastfeeding practices in Benin City have not improved much from what obtained a decade earlier. Greater emphasis on female education and socio-economic empowerment are advocated as tools for improvement. Reinvigoration of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative is also recommended to ensure continued health facility interface that would ensure community mobilisation and support for optimal breastfeeding. Key Words: Breastfeeding, Practices, Early Infancy, Benin City