IMPACT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN 0-2YEARS OLD (A CASE STUDY IN GWALE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KANO STATE)

Abstract

This study was on Impact of exclusive breastfeeding among children between 0-2years old (A case study in Gwale local government area Kano state). Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding in Gwale local government area of Kano state, to find out the problems which hinder the practice of breastfeeding among mothers in Gwale local government area of Kano state, to find out feeding difficulties which infants encounter in Gwale local government area off Kano state and to ascertain how health is exclusive breastfeeding among children 0-2years old. In line with these objectives, four research questions were formulated and were posited.  The aim of this study is to document the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding along with concerns which may hinder the practice of breastfeeding and focuses on the appropriateness of complementary feeding and feeding difficulties which infants encounter. Breastfeeding, as recommended by the World Health Organisation, is the most cost effective way for reducing childhood morbidity such as obesity, hypertension and gastroenteritis as well as mortality. There are several factors that either promote or act as barriers to good infant nutrition. Factors which influence breastfeeding practice in terms of initiation, exclusivity and duration are namely breast engorgement, sore nipples, milk insufficiency and availability of various infant formulas. On the other hand, introduction of complementary foods, also known as weaning, is done around 4 to 6 months and mothers usually should start with home-made nutritious food. Difficulties encountered during the weaning process are often refusal to eat followed by vomiting, colic, allergic reactions and diarrhea. The total population for the study is 100 health workers and 100 nursing mothers. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up of health workers and nursing mothers. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health and development of children to their full potential. It has been recognized worldwide that breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and child, as breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for an infant. Economic and social benefits are also provided to the family, the health care system and the employer (Chow S.K.Y., 2010)

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, followed by breastfeeding along with complementary foods for up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding can be defined as a practice whereby the infants receive only breast milk without mixing it with water, other liquids, tea, herbal preparations or food in the first six months of life, with the exception of vitamins, mineral supplements or medicines. Breastfeeding an infant exclusively for the first 6 months of life carries numerous benefits such as lowered risk of gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia, otitis media and urinary tract infection in the infant while mothers return to her pre-pregnancy weight very rapidly and have a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (WHO,2009)

Moreover, studies have shown that many mothers find it difficult to meet personal goals and to adhere to the expert recommendations for continued and exclusive breastfeeding despite increased rate of initiation. Some of the major factors that affect exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding include breast problems such as sore nipples or mother’s perceptions of producing inadequate milk and societal barriers such as employment, length of maternity leave, inadequate breastfeeding knowledge, lack of familial and societal support and lack of guidance and encouragement from health care professionals (Hanif H.M,2011)

Another factor that leads to early cessation of breastfeeding is the advertisement of infant formulas which encourages mothers to opt for the use of pacifiers and bottle feeding. Additionally, many mothers opt for breast milk substitutes because they need to resume work while others claim that they produce insufficient milk. To date, there are various types of infant formulas available on the market, and which are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants with a variety of dietary needs. However, there are some problems associated with infant formulas such as the nutritional content either does not meet or exceeds the infant’s needs. For instance, it was reported that some infants who were fed on formula milk have had occasional water soluble vitamins deficiencies. Another problem associated with bottle feeding involves high risk of exposing the child to pathogens owing to unhygienic practices during handling and preparation of infant formula (Kramer M.S, 2009). On the other hand, when breast milk or infant formula no longer supplies infants with required energy and nutrients to sustain normal growth and optimal health and development, solid foods should be introduced. This process is known as complementary feeding. According to the WHO recommendations, the appropriate age at which solids should be introduced is around 6 months

Statement of the problem

owing to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and the renal system as well as on the neurophysiological status of the infant. However there are concerns about the timing of complementary feeding as evidence demonstrates that this recommendation for delayed introduction of complementary foods may have detrimental consequences. Furthermore there are different types of weaning that mothers adopt namely child-led/natural, mother-led, gradual, partial or abrupt weaning. It should be noted that during the weaning process many mothers encounter infant feeding problems such as refusal to-eat, colic, and vomiting among others. All these problems that mothers encounter during the feeding processes either directly or indirectly influence the feeding pattern. Based on this background the study wants to investigate impact of exclusive breastfeeding among children between 0 to 2 years using Gwale local government area Kano state as a case study

Objective of the study

The following objectives will be ascertained the study;

1. To ascertain the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding in Gwale local government area of Kano state
2. To find out the problems which hinder the practice of breastfeeding among mothers in Gwale local government area of Kano state
3. To find out feeding difficulties which infants encounter in Gwale local government area off Kano state
4. To ascertain how health is exclusive breastfeeding among children 0-2years old

Research question

The study formulated the following research question

1. What are the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding in Gwale local government area of Kano state?
2. What are the problems which hinder the practice of breastfeeding among mothers in Gwale local government area of Kano state?
3. What are the feeding difficulties which infants encounter during breastfeeding in Gwale local government area off Kano state?
4. Is it healthy for exclusive bread feeding among children 0-2years in Gwale local government area off Kano state?

Significance of the study

Correct feeding in the first two years of life is particularly important due to its role in lowering morbidity and mortality, reducing the risk of chronic disease throughout their life span, and promoting regular mental and physical development. This study will be very significant to students and nursing mothers. The study will give a clear insight on the impact of exclusive breastfeeding among children 0-2years. The result of the study will educate the general public on important of exclusive breastfeeding. The study will also serve as a reference to other researcher that will embark on the related material.

Scope of the study

The scope of the study covers the impact of exclusive breastfeeding among children 0-2years. The study will be limited to A Gwale local government area Kano state

Limitation of the study

The researcher encounters some constraints which limit the scope of the study namely:

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

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).

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