Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding in Southern Zambia
Author Information
Author(s): Eli Fjeld, Seter Siziya, Mary Katepa-Bwalya, Chipepo Kankasa, Karen Marie Moland, Thorkild Tylleskär
Primary Institution: Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
What are the potentials and barriers in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in southern Zambia?
Conclusion
Cultural conventions and family expectations significantly hinder the practice of exclusive breastfeeding despite awareness of its benefits.
Supporting Evidence
- Breastfeeding was reported to be universal, but few practiced exclusive breastfeeding.
- Barriers included perceptions of insufficient milk and fear of maternal illness.
- Health staff and traditional birth attendants were key in educating mothers about infant feeding.
Takeaway
Moms in Zambia know that breastfeeding is good, but many don't do it exclusively because they worry about not having enough milk and what their families think.
Methodology
The study used nine focus group discussions and 18 in-depth interviews with mothers, fathers, grandmothers, health staff, and traditional birth attendants.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have influenced mothers' responses.
Limitations
Potential bias due to recruitment by health staff and translation issues may have altered original meanings.
Participant Demographics
Participants included mothers, fathers, grandmothers, health staff, and traditional birth attendants from both urban and rural areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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