Exploring the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Background: Breastfeeding is a crucial strategy in improving child health and reducing infant mortality, but the majority of women still do not practise exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) Aims: This study aimed to assess the barriers to implementation of EBF among nursing women in Ibadan North, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional design was used. A total of 210 nursing women were selected using a purposive sampling technique, in two health centres in Ibadan North, Nigeria. The study questionnaire had a reliability of 0.77. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square test. Findings: The main barriers reported were: occupation (90.00% insufficient milk (71.43% spouse's influence (66.19% influence of extended family (62.38% and inadequate time (54.76% Participants with good knowledge of EBF were more likely to practise EBF. Conclusions: This study suggests a need for women to be empowered through informal education on the benefits of EBF. Regular prenatal counselling is advocated, bot.