Perception of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) involves feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life. Despite the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to maternal and infant health: the rate in Nigeria is only 17 per cent; the country also has the sixth highest infant mortality rate in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends EBF as an effective intervention for reducing infant mortality globally, and it has been proven as such. However, mothers’ perceptions of EBF have influenced its uptake. This review explores how mothers' perceptions of EBF affect their practice in Nigeria. Methods: Literature for this review was obtained via Pubmed, Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and the Cochrane Library. Data from papers published between 2011 and 2022 were extracted using standardised forms and studies were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Findings: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six reported on quantitative research, and three on qualitative research. Findings show that mothers' perceptions of EBF and the perceived barriers and facilitators affect their practice. Conclusion and recommendations: The perception of Nigerian mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding is crucial to its practice. This study recommends that mothers be informed about EBF to eliminate misconceptions and increase awareness, and that family members, including the mother’s partner, should be provided with information on all elements of EBF. In addition, the workplace and public support systems must facilitate and encourage EBF. More research is required relating to specific regions of Nigeria and to Nigerian mothers living in other countries.