Publications

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices ofmothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding at Kampala International University Hospital.This study used a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which data were collected at onepoint in time. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on exclusivebreastfeeding from breastfeeding mothers. Data were entered into Excel spreadsheets andanalyzed. The results are presented by frequency and percentage in tabular form. 170people were recruited and mothers' knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding showed that70.6% (120) said this was the first breastfeeding after giving birth, 85.9% (146) said knowthey breastfeed after 1 hour, 52.4% (89) said breast milk is yellow, 39.4% (67) agree thatchildren can only be breastfed, however, 63.5% (108) think that breastfeeding protectschildren from diseases, about 70.6 % do not believe that breastfeeding will preventpregnancy. Attitudes towards breastfeeding show that 92.9% believe that children shouldbe breastfed on demand. 87.1% (148) believe that it is very beneficial for the baby and themother, while 77.6% (132) consider exclusive breastfeeding to be outdated because thereare substitutes in the form of commercial milk and infant formula, 94.7% (161) believe thatinfant formula is a better alternative to exclusive breastfeeding.44.1% (75) agreed thatbreastfed babies appear to be healthier than formula-fed babies, while 55.9% (95) disagreed.97.6% (166) breastfed their babies 1 hour after birth, while 92.9% (158) occasionally gavetheir babies water, 86.5% (147) gave their babies cow's milk instead of breastfeeding Mom.About 35.3% (60) said they would breastfeed even if not asked, while 64. 7% (110) wouldnot breastfeed if not asked. This study concluded that despite mothers' awareness ofexclusive breastfeeding, many mothers still do not believe in exclusive breastfeeding.Mothers in this study were observed mixing milk with water and porridge to feed theirchildren.