Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Practices among Somali Women: A Case Study of Bulla Adaan, Garissa County

Abstract

Breastfeeding has always been the ideal feeding practice for infants. Despite efforts by the county and national government as well as non-governmental organisations, breastfeeding uptake in Garissa County was low. The main objective of the study was to factors influencing breastfeeding practices among Somali women of reproductive age in Bulla Aadan, Garissa County. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population for the study included mothers in Bulla Adaan in Garissa County. Yamane Formula was used to calculate a sample size of 373 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the mothers. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages whereas qualitative data was analyzed by the use of content analysis. Chi-square tests were conducted to test for relationships. Analysis was conducted with the aid of SPSS. Results were presented in form of tables and figures. The study found that majority of the respondents had poor breastfeeding practices. Majority of the respondents had high knowledge of breastfeeding. Findings also showed that majority of the respondents had negative attitudes towards breastfeeding. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of breastfeeding and breastfeeding practices. There was also a significant relationship between attitudes towards breastfeeding on breastfeeding practices. The study concluded that although women of reproductive age in Bulla Aadan, Garissa County had high breastfeeding knowledge, they harbored negative attitudes which resulted in poor breastfeeding practices. It was recommended that the government and other private institution in the health sector should carry out mass education particularly the women on the importance of breastfeeding to the infants as this has more benefits to both the mother and the infant as well as the society. The aforementioned institutions should educate the mothers and the communities at large on the avoiding retrogressive cultural activities on infant feeding as this has profound effects on their general health and wellbeing.