Breastfeeding patterns among mothers of different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Breastfeeding Enabling Environment Conceptual Framework underscores the pivotal role of structural, individual, and setting-level factors, including the mother’s occupation in the practice of breastfeeding. This study aimed to investigate the pattern and practice of breastfeeding among mothers of different occupations in Ekiti State, a southwestern region of Nigeria. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted involving 191 working mothers selected from different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: A pre-tested adapted questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were used for data analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.4 ± 2.1 years, with approximately 70.2% having tertiary education. Among the respondents, 66% were in professional (white-collar) roles, while 34.0% were artisans (non-professional roles). Sixty-one percent of the respondents reported breastfeeding their babies within 1 h after birth, and a majority (71.2%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months. Approximately 61% of the respondents reported having workplace support for breastfeeding, although only 52.4% had breastfeeding breaks. Mothers in white-collar jobs demonstrated higher rates of EBF (61.0%) and good infant feeding practices (74.8%) compared to self-employed mothers. Bivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the practice of EBF and maternal occupation ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mothers in white-collar and professional occupations exhibited more appropriate breastfeeding practices compared to self-employed mothers. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, and other stakeholders, to prioritize support systems and interventions that facilitate breastfeeding among self-employed mothers.