Journal of Applied Medical Sciences

Assessing Exclusive Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers at Kajiado County of Kenya: A Community-Based Study

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• Abstract

  The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which breastfeeding knowledge and awareness of the mothers at Kajiado County of Kenya correlates positively with their practice. The World Health Organization recommends that every country should promote, protect and support breast-feeding program for infants and the mother’s health. The study employed descriptive-correlational and participatory action research approach employing data collection techniques such as individual interviews using structured questionnaire. A Sample size of 200 breastfeeding mothers was used for the study. The study showed the mothers have high knowledge in exclusive breastfeeding with a total mean score of 4.27 on a five-point scale. The high exclusive breast-feeding knowledge did not correlate positively with their breastfeeding practice. Even though, 70% of the mothers had a normal delivery, 97% had their babies delivered at the hospital, and 92.5% delivered their babies healthy without any problem. The study showed that only 42% were able to exclusively breastfed for six months. Spearman Rho showed a strong positive correlation between motivation and breastfeeding (R = .421**, P > 0.01). This study is important in devising strategies that will help mothers increase and adopt better exclusive breastfeeding practices at Kajiado County of Kenya.