DOI: 10.4103/ajop.ajop_10_26 ISSN: 1687-9945

Factors associated with knowledge, practice, and support of optimal breastfeeding among the healthcare providers

Rasaki Aliu, Bakura Bappah, Hasan K. Shina, Habiba B. Bello, Olatoke Lukman, Peter Y. Teru
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Background

Despite the pivotal role of breastfeeding in infant nutrition, its practice remains underutilized. The success of breastfeeding is significantly determined by the Healthcare providers (HCPs). This study explores the factors associated with HCPs’ knowledge, practice, and support

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 125 HCPs in Gombe, Nigeria. The purposive sampling method was used for selecting the HCPs, while the data collected via structured questionnaires were analyzed with SPSS version 26.

Results

Most HCPs (97.6% & 96.0%) had tertiary education and worked in public tertiary health facilities, while the majority (64.0%) had working experience below 10 years. Significant associations were found between the type of facility and knowledge of correct breastfeeding initiation time ( P <0.001), Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative steps ( P <0.011), and latching ( P <0.010). Although tertiary HCPs had higher theoretical Breastfeeding Knowledge, HCPs in secondary facilities demonstrated more practical skills, such as latching. Higher knowledge of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative steps ( P <0.001), more technical support in areas such as milk storage, and greater pump assistance were demonstrated by doctors than by non-doctors. Years of experience above 10 years were significantly associated with the provision of psychological support to mothers ( P =0.033), while female HCPs showed more willingness to be part of breastfeeding support groups ( P =0.025).

Conclusion

Factors influencing HCPs’ Breastfeeding knowledge are domain-specific. The knowledge is mainly associated with a professional role and clinical exposure. Sociodemography and years of experience play a less significant role. Role-specific training is thus essential to the gap between knowledge and practice.

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