Project – Impact of Health Education on Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State, Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Breastfeeding is universally recognized as one of the most effective interventions for improving child survival, nutrition, and development. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of infections such as diarrhea and respiratory illnesses (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Despite the clear benefits, global adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices remains suboptimal, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where cultural practices, lack of knowledge, and limited healthcare support contribute to early cessation or inappropriate feeding practices (UNICEF, 2020).

Health education has been identified as a key strategy for promoting appropriate breastfeeding practices. It involves providing mothers and caregivers with information, guidance, and skills regarding infant feeding, breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and the management of common challenges (Otoo et al., 2019). Several studies have shown that targeted health education programs can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding, improve maternal confidence, and enhance infant health outcomes (Guldan et al., 2018; Abor et al., 2020).

In Nigeria, the national prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding remains below the World Health Organization’s recommended target of 90%, with only 29–45% of infants under six months being exclusively breastfed in some regions (National Population Commission [NPC] & ICF, 2019). Factors affecting breastfeeding practices include maternal education, cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, access to health services, and exposure to health education interventions (Otoo et al., 2019).

At Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State, mothers receive routine maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, immunization, and health education sessions. However, anecdotal reports indicate that despite regular health education efforts, exclusive breastfeeding and optimal breastfeeding practices are not consistently observed among mothers attending the facility. Understanding the impact of health education on mothers’ breastfeeding practices in this setting is critical for improving child health outcomes, designing effective interventions, and reducing infant morbidity and mortality (Guldan et al., 2018; Abor et al., 2020).

Statement of the Problem

Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the cornerstone of child health, yet in many communities, including Enugu-Ezike, adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices remains low (NPC & ICF, 2019). Studies in Nigeria show that many mothers introduce water, herbal teas, or complementary foods before six months of age due to insufficient knowledge, cultural beliefs, or family influence (Otoo et al., 2019).

Health education is a major strategy employed by healthcare providers to improve breastfeeding practices, but its effectiveness is often limited by factors such as irregular sessions, poor content delivery, low maternal literacy, and inadequate follow-up (Abor et al., 2020). At Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, while health education sessions are conducted, there is limited empirical evidence evaluating how these sessions influence actual breastfeeding practices among mothers. Consequently, policymakers and health administrators may lack the data needed to optimize health education programs, improve maternal behaviors, and enhance infant health outcomes.

This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating the impact of health education on breastfeeding practices among mothers at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, with the aim of identifying the relationship between health education exposure and mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breastfeeding.

Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge of mothers on breastfeeding practices at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike?

2. To what extent do mothers apply optimal breastfeeding practices after receiving health education at the facility?

3. What factors influence mothers’ adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices?

4. What barriers hinder the effectiveness of health education on breastfeeding practices among mothers at the facility?

Objectives of the Study

General Objective:
To evaluate the impact of health education on breastfeeding practices among mothers at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Specific Objectives:

1. To assess mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding practices after attending health education sessions.

2. To determine the level of adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices among mothers.

3. To examine factors influencing mothers’ adherence to breastfeeding practices.

4. To identify barriers to the effective implementation of health education on breastfeeding at the facility.

Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H₀):
There is no significant relationship between exposure to health education and the adoption of optimal breastfeeding practices among mothers at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike.

Significance of the Study

This study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of health education in promoting optimal breastfeeding practices in a rural Nigerian context. The findings will be useful for:

• Healthcare Providers and Facility Managers: to improve the design, content, and delivery of health education programs on breastfeeding.

• Policy Makers: to inform policies and interventions that enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

• Researchers: to contribute to the literature on maternal education, breastfeeding, and child nutrition in Nigeria and other low-resource settings.

• Mothers and Communities: to raise awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and optimal feeding practices.

Scope of the Study

The study will focus on mothers attending Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, who have delivered within the last six months and have participated in health education sessions on breastfeeding. It will assess their knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported breastfeeding practices. The study will not include mothers who do not attend the facility or who have not been exposed to health education sessions.

Project – Impact of Health Education on Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers at Primary Health Centre, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State, Nigeria