Breastfeeding and Weaning Practices in an Urban Slum, North Western Nigeria

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the pattern and factors influencing exclusivebreast feeding and weaning practices in a homogenous urban slum.
Study Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional among 143 mother-child pairsusing a combination of simple and systematic sampling methods. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on pattern of breastfeeding, weaning and weaning foods.
Results: The ages of the mothers ranged from 13-41 years while the infants were aged 0-26 months. Breastfeeding was initiated by 83 mothers within 30 minutes of delivery and the main reason for delayed initiation of breastfeeding was the belief that colostrum was dirty 99(69.2%). only 32 (22.3%) of the mothers commenced weaning before the age of 4 months mainly on pap made from corn or millet.Out of the 143 respondents, only 46 (32.2%) practiced exclusivebreast feeding. There was a statistically significant relationship (P=0.006) between the age ofthe respondents’ and the practice of EBF as the mothers who were more than 30 years of agewere more likely to practice EBF compared to those younger than 30 years. However, the level of education andoccupation of the mothers had no significant bearing on the practice of EBF.
Conclusion: The practice of exclusive breast feeding is low and is influenced by socialdeterminants that need to be addressed by policy makers. Risk factors for early weaning should be identified and appropriate interventions put in place.