Exclusive breastfeeding in Manafwa District Eastern Uganda opportunities and challenges a mixed methods community based study
2021
Background: The history and importance of breastfeeding is emphasized
from anthropology of nutrition studies albeit with challenges. Furthermore
exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a known economically effective intervention
that can help reduce maternal and childhood morbidity and mortality.
Moreover the global prevalence of EBF have remained low with Uganda
averaging 42.6%.Subsequently in 2012, the World Health Assembly endorsed
a Comprehensive maternal, infant and young child nutrition implementation
plan with six specific global nutrition targets, one of which was to increase
the rate of EBF in the first 6 months to at least 50% by 2025.This study aimed
at tracking whether eastern Uganda had met the set target and what factors
would be influencing EBF.
Methods: We carried out a mixed methods cross sectional study in Manafwa
district, eastern Uganda. We employed both qualitative and quantitative data
collection tools. We based on the concepts of habitus and dispositions
to explore the EBF through in-depth interviews (IDI). Qualitative data was
summarized into tables and analysed using STATA version 14 while
qualitative data was analysed using NVIVO version 12.
Results: In total 387 mothers’ data was analysed. The average age was 25.2
years. The prevalence of EBF was 63.31% and it was majorly influenced
by education level (P= 0.02,AOR=2.4,95%CI:1.39-4.13),religion(P=0.03,A
OR=0.4,95%CI:0.2-0.72) and employment status(P=0.002,AOR=0.52,95%
CI:1.79-15.18).
During the IDI, several enablers of EBF such as need for spouse support
and barriers such as lack of enough time, not feeding well and sexual play
involving caressing the breasts emerged and misconceptions such as it
being an abomination to breastfeed once gravid, insufficient breastmilk,
breastmilk causing sores, and improper feeding.
Conclusions: EBF is above the target in Manafwa district and efforts to
strengthen it should involve more community and male involvement and
health communication to demystify the misconceptions.
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