The impact of paternal support on the success of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers in Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State
Introduction. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant health, but socio-cultural factors, particularly paternal support, influence its success. Objective. This study examined the impact of paternal support on EBF among lactating mothers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, N...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Société Algérienne de Nutrition
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Nutrition & Santé |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.nutrition-sante.dz/articles/the-impact-of-paternal-support-on-the-success-of-exclusive-breastfeeding-among-lactating-mothers-in-ado-odo-ota-local-government-area-of-ogun-state-jelili-a-quadri-yetunde-j-osinowo-lyanu-c-alagbe |
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| Summary: | Introduction. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant health, but socio-cultural factors, particularly paternal support, influence its success. Objective. This study examined the impact of paternal support on EBF among lactating mothers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Population and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 338 participants, including lactating mothers with infants aged 0–6 months and their spouses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results. Forty-five % of fathers were aware of EBF, but only 29% correctly identified the recommended six-month duration. While 50% believed in the benefits of EBF, 33% viewed breastfeeding as solely the mother responsibility. Only 19% had received formal breastfeeding edu-cation. Despite this, 41% were willing to participate in EBF awareness programs. Paternal support was observed in 58% of cases, with financial assistance (70%) being the most common, followed by emotional encouragement (55%), and household assistance (45%). However, only 20% of fathers attended postnatal visits. EBF coverage in the study area was 26%, with early discontinuation attributed to work constraints (45%), percei-ved insufficient breast milk (35%), and lack of partner support (30%). Significant positive correlations were found between paternal emotional support and EBF duration (p=0.001, r=0.47), and financial support and EBF duration (p=0.005, r=0.38). Conversely, work schedule limitations affected negatively EBF duration (p=0.012, r=-0.35). Cultural beliefs also played a role, with 55% of respondents (both parents) perceiving breastfeeding as solely the mother responsibility. Conclusion. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance paternal engagement in EBF. Recom-mendations include increased male-targeted breastfeeding education, workplace policies supporting lactating mothers and their spouses, and community awareness campaigns addressing cultural barriers. Strengthening policies to encourage father-inclusive maternal health programs can significantly improve EBF rates and infant health outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 2253-0983 2353-026X |