ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND BARRIERS TO EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG NURSING MOTHERS AT NKAWIE IN THE ATWIMA NWABIAGYA DISTRICT, ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers at Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The design that was used in this study was a descriptive cross• sectional survey and a probability sampling technique, simple random sampling was used to select 50 nursing mothers using the lottery method. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire made up of both open and close ended questions to assess the level of knowledge and the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers. Data collected and analyzed revealed that, the mothers proved to have ample sums of knowledge on the EBF program. 52% however championed their persistent engagement with the EBF exercise whiles 38% thoroughly refuses for lack of breast milk, tight work schedules and personal feels to offer food and water to their infants. The study unveils some critical recommendations for stakeholders' advocacy and these include formulation of women advocacy group, intensified anti natal service, mandatory lactation leaves and outright regulation of breast milk substitutes selling by the WHO code of marketing