Research Article
Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Nigeria
Samson Ayo Deji,
Temiloluwa Adeola Folayan*,
Olaoluwa Olumide Bakare,
Oluwadunsin Ololade Falade,
Oluwatosin Roseline Awoyemi,
Tolulope Oluwabunmi Famewo,
Damilola Dorcas Babalola,
Olabisi Catherine Adekamimo,
Ayomide Oluwagbenga Ayilola
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
59-69
Received:
4 June 2026
Accepted:
15 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejpm.20261404.11
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Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life as the gold standard for infant nutrition and a low-cost strategy to reduce infant mortality. This has proven to have been effective when fully adhered to in both developing and developed countries. The major challenge among nursing mothers especially in developing countries is the issue of compliance as recommended by World Health Organization. Among the several factors contributing to full compliance of EBF, socio-cultural factors play a significant role. This cross-sectional descriptive survey examined sociocultural factors influencing EBF among 360 nursing mothers attending immunization clinics at primary health centers in Ado Local Government Area, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Using a multi-stage sampling technique and an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and sociocultural influences and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Findings showed that 78 (21.7%) respondents believed boys should be exclusively breastfed, 250 (69.4%) believed their breasts would sag after EBF, and 88 (24.4%) reported that mother-in-laws or traditional birth attendants could make them give herbal preparations to their babies before six months. These results indicate that the child’s sex, education level, family/spousal support, misconceptions about colostrum and breast milk adequacy, and community practices (such as herbal use) are important sociocultural determinants of EBF in this setting.
Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life as the gold standard for infant nutrition and a low-cost strategy to reduce infant mortality. This has proven to have been effective when fully adhered to in both developing and developed countries. The major challenge among nursing mothers espec...
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