EFFECTS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL BELIEFS AND MOTHER’S PERCEPTIONS IN EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN MOSHI, KILIMANJARO REGION
Abstract
Description
Introduction: Infants should be exclusively breastfed for a period of six months and thereafter
receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Optimal breastfeeding practices especially exclusive breastfeeding are beneficial to both the
mother and the infant. The breast milk provides infant with all the nutrients needed for growth
and development in line with protecting them against infections like pneumonia and increase
intelligence quotient (IQ). To the mother it decreases the risks of non-communicable diseases
such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. In most developing countries the
prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) 0-6 months is still low, including Tanzania (41%)
with limited information on the barriers to EBF practices.
Objective: To determine the effects of socio-cultural beliefs and mother’s perceptions in
exclusive breastfeeding practices in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.
Methods: This was a qualitative case study that was conducted between May 30th and June 24th,
2016. It included the Key stakeholders with the potential to provide information about EBF
policies and practices. Face to face interview was conducted using a well-structured
questionnaire that was both in English and Swahili languages. Additional information was
obtained through literature search. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results were
presented into themes.
Results: The mothers showed to have little knowledge of EBF but they knew the importance of
EBF to their children and to themselves as well. The knowledge was obtained from their mothers
and from the health professionals. The major reasons that hindered EBF practices from being
successful despite the knowledge that the mothers had was a perception that ‘the Infants do not
get satisfied with only breast milk’ and social cultural beliefs. Lack of support from family,
health professionals and community also decreased EBF practices. Partner and family members
played a huge role in the mother’s choice to exclusively breastfeed.
Conclusion: By providing women with proper knowledge regarding EBF and giving them all
the support they need during the breastfeeding period as well as addressing the socio-cultural
beliefs and perceptions that prevent the mother from exclusively breastfeeding her child for 6
months, these women will be able to EBF successfully for the recommended period of time.
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE