CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This project is based on the negative attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding in

Potiskum L.G.A Yobe State NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS
EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING: Is the misconception of lactating mother on
breastfeeding, mothers believed that their child will not survive with breast milk
only they have to feed them with food, breast milk and water. They are claiming
that those who are practicing this (exclusive breastfeeding) their weather is not
hot weather like northern part of Nigeria, that there is thirsty, and breast milk
only will not serve as food and drink for their baby.

EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING: Means practice of feeding baby with

breast milk only for a period of six (6) months. Because breast milk is made up
of mainly water. and serve as food and drink for the baby. The baby will not be
thirsty- even in hot weather because breast milk is made up of mainly water.
Textbook, child health and illness Oje Fatunde 2005.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Throughout pregnancy the mother's body is lying down stores of nutrient as

energy (body fat) which will be utilized during lactation. Hence adequate food
intake during pregnancy is essential not only for the growth of the foetus but
also for lactation after delivery. The nutritional requirements of the mother are
greater during lactation than during pregnancy. Normal lactation proceeds
satisfactorily and there are no difficulties when problems arise due to either or
causes in the baby. in every situation it is essential to identify the cause and take
corrective action (maternal and child health).

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

Among mammals, the only species in which breastfeeding and weaning have to
be learned and are not governed by instinct are the Homo sapiens and
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breastfeeding problems are very common, The study therefore sought to assess
the negative attitude towards exclusive breast feeding (EBF) among mothers
attending a some selected primary health care and general hospital Potiskum

More so, it is important to determine the aetiology of exclusive breast feeding

and milk insufficiency in order to identify necessary interventions to resolve the
negative attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding in Potiskum local government
area.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The aims of the study are-

1. To change negative attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding to

positive one.
2. To educate mothers about the important of exclusive breastfeeding
3. To educate mothers about the dangers of ejecting of exclusive
breastfeeding.
4. To advised ministry of health and antenatal care personnel on the
important, enlightenment and campaign on important of exclusive
breastfeeding.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
1. Do the breastfeeding mothers know about exclusive breastfeeding and
it's important?
2. Does ignorance contribute to the negative responses toward exclusive
breastfeeding?
3. Does lack of proper information or health education contribute to the
negative responses towards exclusive breastfeeding?
4. Does the nature of mother's occupation contribute in preventing them
from practicing exclusive breastfeeding?

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1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for the first six months of age
by the World Health Organization. Mothers’ good knowledge and positive
attitude play key roles in the process of exclusive breastfeeding practices. In this
study, we report on a systematic review of the literature that aimed to examine
the status of mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices related to exclusive
breastfeeding in Potiskum local government area, so as to provide clues on what
can be done to improve awareness and attitudes towards exclusive
breastfeeding.

Goal four of the eight Millennium Development Goals is entirely devoted to

reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2025; with less than 2
years to 2025, however, progress in many Africa countries is insufficient in
achieving this goal. Poor feeding practices such as sub-optimal breastfeeding is
still widespread and often leads to malnutrition which is a major cause of more
than half of all child deaths (Sokol et al. 2024). By studying and bringing out
the influences of family on breastfeeding practices to the fore, this study will be
salutary; as it will contribute to a better understanding of how essential health
interventions with proven empirical efficacy such as EBF can be promoted. It is
also hoped that this study’s outcome will contribute to the growing body of
scientific knowledge on infant feeding practices and how to design and situate
health interventions in Potiskum local government area. Moreover, this research
will in no doubt serve as a basis for future research. To educate the public on
the important of exclusive breastfeeding and dangers (problems) associated with
negative attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding among the people of Potiskum
Local Government Area, Yobe State.

1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This project is limited to Potiskum Town due to lack of manpower, the research
limit is only Potiskum Local Government Area within my capability.
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1.7 DEFINITION OF TERM

LACTATION: - The secretion of milk by the mammary gland of the breast,

which usually begins at the end of pregnancy.

MAMMARY GLAND: - The Milk producing gland of female mammals.

COLOSTRIUM: - The first secretion from the breast occurring shortly after or
sometime before birth prior to the secretion of true milk it is relatively clear
fluid containing serum, white blood cells and protective antibodies.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

In the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires, women usually feed only their own
children however, breastfeeding began to be seen as something too common to
be done by royalty and wet nurses were employed to breastfeed the children of
the royal families. This was extended over the ages, particularly in Western
Europe, where noble women often made use of wet nurses. The moocher
artisans of Peru (1-800 AD) represented women breastfeeding their children in
ceramic vessels.

In Japan traditionally, Japanese women gave birth at home and breastfeed with
the help of breast massage. Weaning was often late, with breastfeeding in rare
cases continuing until early adolescence. After World War II western medicine
was taken to Japan birth in hospitals, where the baby was usually taken to the
nursery and feed formula. In 1974 a new breastfeeding promotional campaign
by the government helped to boost the awareness of its benefits and its
prevalence has sharply increased. Japan becomes the first developed country to
have a baby-friendly hospital, and as of 2006 has another 24 such facilities.

In the 18th century male medical practitioners started to work on the areas of
pregnancy, birth and babies. These areas were traditionally dominated by
women. Also, in the 18th century the emerging natural sciences argued that
women should stay at house to nurse and raise their children, like animals also
do. Governments in Europe started to worry about the decline of the workforce
because of the high mortality rates among newborns. Wet nursing was
considered one of the main problems. Campaigns were launched against the
custom among the higher class to use a wet nurse woman were advised or even
forced by law to nurse their own children.

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The biologist and physician Linnaeus the English doctor Codogan, Rousseau,
and the midwife Anel i.e. Rebours described in their writing the advantages and
necessity of women breastfeeding their own children and discouraged the
practice of wet nursing In 1752 Linnaeus wrote a pamphlet against the use of a
wet nurse Linnaeus considered this against the law of nature. A baby not nursed
by the mother was deprived of laxative colostrum (references Payne, Cynthia,
IBCLC “Japanese Culture and Breastfeeding “New Beginning Vol. 20 No. 5,
September-October 2003, Vol. 20 No. 5, September-October, 2003 pp. 181)

2.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and
survival. However, contrary to WHO recommendations, fewer than half of
infants under 6 months old are exclusively breastfed. Breastmilk is the ideal
food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect
against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy
and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to
provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half
of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life. Breastfed
children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or
obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a
reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding has been linked to
higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies. Breastfed infants are more
likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow, rather than becoming
overweight in childhood. The AAP says breastfeeding also plays a role in the
prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding has been
thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well, but
more research is needed.

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of
vitamins, protein, and fat everything your baby needs to grow. And it's all

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provided in a form that's more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk
contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies
who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have
fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.

2.1.1 ADVANTAGES OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

1. It serves as artificial/natural family planning

2. It makes the baby to growth healthy
3. It provides antibodies that give immunity to the baby
4. it contains all the nutrients that baby needs
5. It improves the health status of the children
6. It removes the danger of germs being introduce from baby water
7. Exclusive breastfeed may help babies to be quick recovery from any
kind of illness.

2.1.2 PROBLEMS OF NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS

EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

The children that are not in practice of exclusive breastfeeding are prone to six
childhood killer diseases like measles and whooping cough e.t.c

1. Infectious disease like gastroenteritis

2. Malnutrition due to infection
3. Poor bounding between the mother and child
4. Failure to practice exclusive breast breastfeeding will lead to recovery
from an) kind of illness

2.1.3 DISADVANTAGE OF EXCIASIVE BREASTFEEDING

The difficulties of breastfeeding may be due to the mother or the baby

due to the mother

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i. Nipple may be too big, inverted small crack or flat
ii. Ducts: May be blocked causing breast engorgement
iii. Lobes: Inflammation may occur which may lead to mastitis and
breast abscess.
iv. Anxiety

Due to the baby:

i. Pre maturity
ii. Asphyxia due to prolong labour
iii. Health e.g. respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal infection etc.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 PREAMBLE

This chapter will contain the research methodology, study design, area of the
study, population of the study, sampling size and sampling techniques, methods
and instrument for data collections, data analysis and presentation.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

Simple random sampling was used as research design for this study. This design
is considered appropriate because it is generally concern as design in which a
group of people or items is studied by collecting and analyzing data from a few
people or items and it is considered as representative of the entire group
(Nwagu 1991) this research design will be more appropriate to study the
negative attitude towards exclusive breast breastfeeding in Potiskum Town,
Yobe State.

3.2 AREA OF THE STUDY

Potiskum as the as the study area is under a state called Yobe in Nigeria. It the
largest city among all the 17 local government area of Yobe State in terms of
human population and business transactions. It located on latitude 11 o43|N and
longitude 11o04’E. There are multiple tribes within Potiskum mainly Hausa
Fulani, Ngizim, Karekare, Bolewa as well as Igbo and Yoruba combined. It has
an area of 559 square kilometers (216sq mi).

3.3 POPULATION OF THE STUDY

As of 2006, the national population commission estimated the population of

Potiskum as 156,859. In 2022, the population of Potiskum stands at 483,346. As
of 2023, population of Potiskum was 511,885. Potiskum is projected to be the

9
seventh fastest growing city on African continent between 2020 and 2025 with a
5.65% growth.

The wet and dry season are hot and unpleasant in Potiskum, with temperature
averaging 57oF to 104oF and infrequently dropping below 51oF or rising over
108oF.

3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

The sample for the study were 50 respondents who voluntary chooses to answer
the questionnaire among the 483,346 population of Potiskum local government
according to 2022 estimate. The target populations of this study were the
lactating and Pregnant women that are attending antenatal care in Specialist
Hospital Potiskum from which random sample were made to find out the
information about the negative attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding in
Potiskum Town, Yobe State. Simple random sampling techniques was used to
select the samples in order to have a fair representative of the actual population
attending Specialist Hospital Potiskum.

3.5 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION

The instrument used for the study was developed based on available literature
(Origea, 2020). The demographics part of the questionnaire examined a
dimension such as Name, Age, Sex, Marital status, Education level, Occupation,
Religion and Residence.

3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

The instruments should be administered to the community in research study

area setting in order to collect data that is relevant to the research area and the
data analysis and presentation will be made by the researcher.

3.7 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

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Tables which contained rows and columns for variables such as response,
number of respondents and percentages were used to analyzed the data.
Analyzed data was subjected to interpretation by the researcher after each table.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Having stated the methodology to be used in conducting this project in chapter

three the researcher intends to present the analyzed data here in chapter four in
tabular form

Question 1:

Are you aware of what is called exclusive breastfeeding?

The above question was used as the first question the researcher want to know
whether respondents are aware of exclusive breastfeeding Programme or not.

Table 4.1

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 20 40%

No 30 60

Total 50 100%

The above table (4.1) shows that 30 (60%) are not aware of exclusive
breastfeeding Programme while 20(40%) are aware.

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Question 2:

Through which source?

Table 4.2

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Heath talk 18 36%

Mass media 3 6%

Poster 0 0%

All of the above 9 18%

None of the above 20 40%

Total 50 100%

Table 4.2: this data shows the source through which the respondents have been
educated on mass media 6% health talk 36% poster 0% all of the above 18%
and none of the above 40%.

Question 3

Have you ever breast feed your baby?

Table 4.3

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 19 38%

No 31 62%

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 Total 50 100%

This table shows that the respondent 31 (62%) they have been breastfeeding
their babies while 19 (38%) have not.

Question 4

Table 4.4

If no state your reason here the researcher wants to know the reason why they
did not breastfeed their babies?

Reason

The respondents stated their reason as there is hot whether that is why they
cannot practice this exclusive breastfeeding?

Question 5:

Have you ever attended antenatal clinic?

Table 4.5

Responses No of Percentage
respondents
Yes 19 38%

No 31 62%

Total 50 100%
Table above shows that the respondents of 19 (38%) have attended antenatal
clinic while 31 (62%) have not attended.

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Question 6:

When have you attended ANC?

Table 4.6

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Before pregnancy 0 0%

After pregnancy 5 10%

During pregnancy 15 30%

All of the above 10 20%

None of the above 20 40%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that mothers that attended A.N.C before pregnancy are
0% after pregnancy are 5 (10%), during pregnancy are 15 (30%) all of the above
10 (20%) and then none of the above are 20 (40%) the population of the
research area do not care about ANC.

Question 7:

When do you normally breastfeed your baby?

Table 4.7
Responses No of respondents Percentage

Immediate after birth 20 40%

Two days after birth 15 30%

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 Three days after birth 15 30%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that the respondents 20(40%) are breastfeed immediately
after birth and 15 (30%) breastfeed after two days and then 15 (30%) are
breastfeed three days.

Question 8:

Do you know what colostrum is?

Table 4.8

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 20 40%

No 30 60%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that the respondent of 20(40%) knows colostrum means
and the 30 (60%) are not know.

Question 9:

Does your baby feed on colostrum?

Table 4.9

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 35 70%

No 15 30%

Total 50 100%

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The table above shows that the respondents of 35 (70%) they are feed baby with
colostrum while 15(30%) are not feed.

Question 10:

When do you normally stop breastfeeding your baby?

4.10

Responses No of respondents Percentage

6 months 10 20%

18 months 30 60%

22 months 10 20%

Total 50 100%

The table above show that the respondents of 30 (60%) are stopping their
breastfeeding of baby during the month of 18.

Question 11:

Are you working class mother?

4.11

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 35 70%

No 15 30%

Total 50 100%

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The table above shows that the respondent of 35 (70%) are working class
mother while 15 (30%) are not
Question 12

Does ignorance taboo, culture and religion beliefs can contribute to a negative
respondent toward exclusive breastfeeding?

Table 4.12

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 40 80%

No 5 10%

Total 50 100%

The table above shows that the respondents of 40 (80%) was responses to those
factors that can contribute negative attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding
Programme.

Question 13

As a working-class mother dos your husband allow you to bring your baby to
your working place?

Table 4.13

Responses No of Percentage
respondents
Yes 15 30%

No 35 70%

Total 50 100%

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The above table shows that the respondents 15 (30%) their husband allowed
them to bring their babies to their working place while 35 (70%) are not
allowed.

Question 14

Have you given any flexible working hours for breastfeeding at your working
place?

Table 4.14

Responses No of respondents Percentage

Yes 10 20%

No 40 80%

Total 50 100%

The table above show that the respondent of 10 (20%) were giving flexible
working hours and 40 (80%) were not given.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

This study was conducted to investigate the negative attitude toward

exclusive breastfeeding

This study is divided into five chapters, chapter one introduction of the
study, highlighted on the background of the study which stated that,
negative attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding is very common in
Potiskum Town due to ignorance of mother on the effect of non-
practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Related literatures were review from
various authorities.

The instrument use for data collection was the questionnaire. A

total of sixty (60) copies questionnaires were administered to parent who
were the respondents in the area of study, to find out the information the
researcher used questionnaire consisting of sixteen (16) items, the
research with the help of research assistant, the data collected for the
study were analyses using simple person percentage scores.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Based on the finding of the study the following conclusions were drawn;

1. The people of Potiskum Town Yobe State should understand

exclusive breastfeeding can reduce childhood killer diseases because
of the immunity acquired by the child during the practice.
2. The study concluded that exclusive breast feeding provides antibodies
that give immunity to the baby.
3. The finding or the study revealed that removing of danger of germs
being introduced.

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 4. The finding also revealed that it serves as natural/artificial method of
family planning.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION
Recommendations were made,
1. Health educator should be assigned to every ANC within the Potiskum
Town, Yobe State to educate the pregnant women on the important of
exclusive breastfeeding.
2. The government should support the family members and husbands to
ensure that nursing mothers are provided husband and family
members. This will enable them to breastfeed their babies happily and
effectively.
3. Husbands and relatives should ensure that work load of nursing
mothers is reduce so as they find time to rest and give attention to the
breastfeeding needs of their babies. And also nursing mothers should
avoid stress and remain happily to ensure enough flow of breast milk.
4. The local government primary health care department other non-
governmental organizations should engage in massive training.

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 APPENDIX I

Almu’arif College of Health

Science and Technology
Potiskum, P.M.B 1046,
Yobe State.

Dear Respondents.

REQUEST FOR COMPLETION OF QUESTIONNAIRE

I am a final year student in the above mentioned institution and this

questionnaire is designed to collect data on the topic "NEGATIVE ATTITUTE
TOWARD EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN POTISKUM LOCAL
GOVERNMENT, YOBE STATE" the data has nothing to do with your
personality, it is needed to be used in making research which will serve as a
partial fulfillment for the award of Diploma in Community Health.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

Salamatu Adamu Idriss

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 REFERENCES

Cuogian NN (1986) Breastfeeding Quarterly fully, Newsletter on Baby Friendly

Hospital Initiative in Nigeria

Fyne, Cynthia, 1BCL "Japanese Culture and Breastfeeding" New Beginning

Vol. 20 No. 5, September-October 2003, pp 181

Savage King F (1985) Helping Mothers to Breastfeed Nairobi

Textbook Child Health and Illness © Oje Fatunde 2005

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 APPENDIX II

QUEST1ONNAIRE FORM

SACTION A (DEMOGRAPHY OF THE RESPONDENTS)

A. NAME…………………………………………...
B. SEX.............................. C. AGE………. D. OCCUPATION........................
E. MARITAL STATUS: MALE [ ] FEMALE [ ]

SECTION B

1. Are you aware of what is called exclusive breastfeeding?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

2). If yes through which sources? a. Health talk [ ] b. Mass media [ ]

c. Poster [ ] d. All of the above [ ] e. None of the above

[ ]

3). Have you ever breastfeed your baby? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

4). If yes state your reason ………………………………………

5). Have you ever attended antenatal clinic? A. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

6). Have you attended ANC? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

7). Do you normally breastfeed your baby? a. immediately after birth

[ ]

b. Two days after birth [ ] C. Three days after birth [ ]

8). Do you know what colostrum is? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

9). Does your baby feed on colostrum? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

10). When do you normally stop breastfeeding your baby?

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 a. 6 month [ ] b. 18 month [ ] c. 22 month [ ]

11). Are you working class mother? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

12). Does ignorance taboo, culture and religious beliefs contribute to a

negative respond toward exclusive breastfeeding? a. Yes [ ] b.
No [ ]

13). As a working-class mother does your husband allow you to bring your
baby to your working place? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

14). Have you been given any flexible working hours for breastfeeding at your
working place" a. yes [ ] b. No [ ]

This research work is based on the topic Negative Attitude Toward

Exclusive breast feeding in Potiskum Local Government area of Yobe State.
Questionnaire was used for data collection frequency and percentage was used
analyzed the data using frequency distribution table. The result shows that
exclusive breastfeeding provide munity to the child against specific diseases
such as gastroenteritis whopping cough, poliomyelitis among others.
Recommendations were made as way of viding solution to the problem and
suggestions were also made for any researcher to continue from this work.

24