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Research Paper | Health & Nutrition | Somalia | Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022 | Rating: 5.3 / 10

Health & Social Barriers Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Infants Less than Six Months: Case of Afgoi District-Somalia

Mohamed Omar Osman | Guled Adam Abdi | Abdullahi Muse Mohamoud

Abstract: Background: exclusive breastfeeding means feeding the baby with breast milk soon after birth and continuing it until 6 month of age without giving baby any other food. The Objective the study is to identify the Health and Social Barriers Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Infants less than Six Months in Afgoi Distract, Lower Shebelle region-Somalia. Methodology: adopted in this research is composed at various quantitative and qualitative methods including, questionnaire and the research make interview with medical director of Afgoi Hospital, and the aim of interview was to assess the National Strategy for Exclusive Breastfeeding exist in Afgoi Hospital. The sample was 80 of Women Child bearing Age (15-49) have infant less than six months and attended to Afgoi Hospital during study period. The data analyzed was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16. Result: according to responder?s age the majority of them (43.75%) their age between 26-35 year while 18.75% of responders their age Accor between 36-45 years. according to responder?s education background, 53% of mother?s responders were studied Hally Qur?an, while 12.5% were studied primary school, likewise in cross-tabulate between responder?s education level and their feeding practice was showed significant (p value = 0.01). the study Proven that the 60% of the mother?s respondents used breastfeeding and artificial feeding practice to their infant and reasons related to mother that caused to use both is most of them worked and they don?t get enough meal. also a view of responders their social belief prevents them to practice breastfeeding only. also the study clarified the reasons related to infant that caused to used mother?s responders both breastfeeding and artificial feeding practice, 21.2% said our social encourage us to make both while 17.5% said the child refused breast milk totally and10% of responders their child is sick. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the majority of mother?s 60% of were using artificial feeding practice which is formula milk. Recommendation: FMoH should train and encourage frontline health care workers, including midwives and nurses and CWHs to deliver skilled breastfeeding counseling to mothers and families. The study recommended that the ministry of health especially health promotion unit to prepare health promotion program on breastfeeding to promote the awareness of mothers towards breastfeeding.

Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices, Barriers, Women Child Bearing Age 15-49

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022,

Pages: 475 - 480