Knowledge and attitude of infant feeding among health workers in private health facilities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Knowledge and attitude of health workers affect caregivers’ infant feeding practices. However, information on the knowledge and attitudes of health workers in private hospitals is lacking. This study was designed to assess the infant feeding knowledge, attitude, and personal experiences of health workers in private hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study involved sampling of 108 consenting health workers of registered private health facilities offering ante-natal care services in Ibadan North communities of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude of infant feeding practices. Knowledge was assessed using a 19-point scale categorized as good (≥13) and poor (<13). Attitude was assessed using a 65-point scale, categorized as good (≥33) and poor (<33). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics at p<0.05. Eighty five percent of the health workers were female, 51.9% were aged 21-30 years, 48.1% were married, and 25.9% were degree holders. Only 47.2% had attended infant feeding training recently, 57.0% had good knowledge and 53.0% had good attitude. Only 30.6% knew early initiation of breastfeeding, and 30.6% knew continued breastfeeding up 24 months and beyond. Just 49.1% considered breastfeeding in public non-embarrassing, and 33.3% agreed that infants less than six months should not be given water. There is evidence of limited knowledge and poor attitude towards the recommended infant feeding practices among the health workers in private health facilities in Ibadan. Periodic training on infant feeding for health workers in private health facilities is hereby recommended.