ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The WHO and UNICEF recommends early initiation of breastfeeding

(within an hour from birth) and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Although
the global recommendations recommend that women breastfeed their infants for six
months, most countries have low average breastfeeding rates.
AIM: This study aims to assess the knowledge, practice and challenges of exclusive
breastfeeding among academic and non-academic staffs of Afe Babalola University, Ado-
Ekiti, Ekiti State.
METHOD: A descriptive research design was used in assessing the knowledge, practice
and challenges of exclusive breastfeeding among academic and non-academic staffs of
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Data was analyzed using SPSS version
21.
RESULT: Majority 139(49.5%) of the respondents are within the age 30-34years. Only
43% have the right knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, 43.1% have a right knowledge
on the duration of breastfeeding, 86(30.6%) have a poor knowledge on adding vitamins
and supplements while breastfeeding, majority 163(58%) breastfeed their babies four
times or more in a day. The challenges of practicing exclusive breastfeeding include work
schedule (3.32±1.352), sociocultural belief is a challenge to practicing exclusive
breastfeeding (2.20±1.254) and altering of the shape of breast (2.20±1.242). The
hypotheses tested showed that; there is significant relationship between the nature of
work and the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding among academic and non-academic
staffs of ABUAD at (P=0.000, X2 Cal = 77.152a), there is significant relationship between
the nature of work and the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding among academic and
non-academic staffs of ABUAD at (P=0.00, X2Cal=78.254a).
RECOMMENDATION: Based on the findings of this study, Health sector should mandate
that proper health education is carried out in hospitals for pregnant women receiving
antenatal care in their facilities and the midwife should ensure the mother and the baby
are prevented or treated for any disease that may hinder breastfeeding.