Volume 15
GENERATION Z MOTHER'S KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
OYUNDOYIN, Bolanle Misitura, MARTINS, Chisom Isabella & AKINYELE, Osemeiasoh Anthonia
Abstract
This study utilised a descriptive, cross-sectional research design to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and
practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among Generation Z mothers. The sample comprised 200 participants, aged 18 to 25, recruited from four primary healthcare centres within the Surulere Local
Government Area of Lagos. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. The empirical evidence highlighted a significant disparity between maternal knowledge and actual behavior: A substantial majority of respondents (92%) demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the principles of exclusive breastfeeding. Conversely, 65% of the mothers exhibited a negative
disposition, perceiving the practice as unnecessary. The findings indicated that 53% of participants failed to implement EBF, while 52% were unable to sustain the practice for the recommended six-month duration. While Generation Z mothers are well-informed about exclusive breastfeeding, their negative perceptions represent a critical barrier to implementation. Consequently, it is recommended that government agencies and healthcare providers design targeted interventions. These programs should focus on articulating the long-term health benefits of EBF for both mother and child, while simultaneously providing the structural and psychological support necessary to navigate the challenges associated with the practice.
Keywords
Generation Z, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Exclusive Breastfeeding
Full Text
Download
References
Adewuyi E. O., and Adefemi, K. (2016). Breastfeeding in Nigeria: A systematic review. International Journal
of Community Medicine and Public Health, 3(2), 385–396.
Agho K. E, Dibley MJ, Odiase J. I., et. al.,(2011). Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria. BMC
Pregnancy Childbirth; 11: 2.
Agunbiade, O. M., and Ogunleye, O. V. (2012). Constraints to exclusive breastfeeding practice among
breastfeeding mothers in Southwest Nigeria: Implication for scaling up. International Breastfeeding
Journal, 7(1); 5
Beyissa B. Z., Kefale B., Geletaw A et al, (2015). Knowledge and practice of mothers towards exclusive
breastfeeding and its associated factors in Ambo woreda west shoa zone oromia region, Ethiopia.
Downloaded on 29/04/2025.
Ebina S, Kashiwakura I (2012). Inuence of breastfeeding on maternal blood pressure at one-month
postpartum Int. J Womens Health; 4:333–339.
Ekure E, Antia-Obong O, Udo J, et. al.,(2003). Maternal exclusive breast-Feeding practice in Calabar, Nigeria:
Some related social characteristics. Niger J Clin Pract; 6(2): 92–94.
Elyas, L., Mekasha, A., Admasie, A., and Assefa E. (2017). Exclusive breastfeeding practices and associated
factors among mothers attending private pediatric and child clinics, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-
sectional study. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2017, 8546192.
Eshetu K. and Wagkari N. (2015). Attitude and practice towards exclusive breastfeeding and its associated
factors among HIV positive mothers in Southern Ethiopia. Am J. Health Res 2015 March; 3:105-15.
Gonzalez-Jimenez E, Garcia PA, Aguilar MJ, Padilla CA, Alvarez J (2014). Breastfeeding and the prevention
of breast cancer: a retrospective Breastfeeding, clinical histories. J Clin Nurs;23:2397–2403.
Haiek LN, Kramer MS, Ciampi A, Tirado R (2001). Postpartum weight loss and infant feeding. J Am Board Fam
Pract;14:85–94.
Ihudiebube-Splendor, C. N., Okafor, C. B., Anarado, A. N., Jisieike-Onuigbo, N. N., Chinweuba, A. U.,
Journal of Early Childhood Education of Nigeria (JECAN) Vol. 15 2026
114
Nwaneri, A. C., et. al.,(2019). Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge, intention to practice and predictors
among primiparous women in Enugu South-East, Nigeria. Journal of Pregnancy, 9832075.
Ip S, Chung M, Raman G, Trikalinos TA, Lau J (2009). A summary of the Agency fo Healthcare Research and
Quality's evidence report on breastfeeding in developed countries. Breastfeed Med. ;4(Suppl 1):S17–30.
Issaka, A. I., Agho, K. E., and Renzaho, A. M. N. (2017). Prevalence of key breastfeeding indicators in 29 sub-
Saharan African countries: A meta-analysis of demographic and health surveys (2010–2015). BMJ
Open, 7(10), e014145.
Kull, I. Wickman, M. Lilja, G. Nordvall, S. L. and Pershagen, G. (2002). “Breast feeding and allergic diseases in
infants—a prospective birth cohort study,” Archives of Disease in Childhood, vol. 87, no. 6, pp.
478–481.
L. Salami (2011), “Factors inuencing breastfeeding practices in Edo state, Nigeria,” African Journal of Food,
Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, vol. 6, no. 2, 2011.
Lavender, T. McFadden, C. and Baker, L. (2006). “Breastfeeding and family life,” Maternal and Child
Nutrition, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 145–155.
Lipworth L, Bailey LR, Trichopoulos D (2000). History of breastfeeding in relation to breast cancer risk: a
review of epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst; 92:302–312.
Mbada C. E, Olowookere A. E., Faronbi J. O. et al (2013). Knowledge, attitude and techniques of breastfeeding among Nigerian mothers from a semi-urban community. BMC Research Notes 6, Article number: 552 Downloaded on 29/04/2025.
McFadden and G. Toole (2006). “Exploring women's views of breastfeeding: a focus group study within an
area with high levels of socio-economic deprivation,” Maternal and Child Nutrition, vol. 2, no. 3, pp.
156–168.
National Population Commission (NPC) [Nigeria] and ICF. (2019). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey
(2018) Key Indicators Report. Abuja, Nigeria, and Rockville, Maryland
Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2023–24). Key Indicators Report The Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Abuja, Nigeria National Population Commission
Abuja, Nigeria The DHS Program ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA September 2024.
Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023-24 NDHS).
Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, (2008). National Population Commission. Federal Republic of
Nigeria; (2008)
Niquini RP, Bittencourt SA, Lacerda EMA, Oliveira MIC, Leal MC (2010). Acolhimento e
características maternas associadas à oferta de líquidos a lactentes. Rev Saúde Pública.
2010; 44 (4): 677–685. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0034 andscript=sci_abstractandtlng=pt
Ogunlesi T, Dedeke O, Okeniyi J, et al. (2004). Infant and toddler feeding practices in the Baby Friendly
Initiative (BFI) era in Ilesa, Nigeria. Int J Nutr Wellness. 2004; 1(2): 1–5.
Parizoto G.M., Parada CMGL, Venâncio SI, Carvalhaes MABL (2009). Tendência determinantes do
aleitamento materno exclusivo em crianças menores de 6 meses. J Pediatr; 85(3): 201-208.
Salami, L.I. (2006). Factors influencing breastfeeding practices in Edo State, Nigeria. African J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev; 6(2).
Setegn, T., Belachew, T., Gerbaba, M., Deribe, K., Deribew, A., and Biadgilign, S. (2012). Factors associated
with exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Goba district, southeast Ethiopia: A cross-
sectional study. International Breastfeeding Journal, 7(1), 17.
Singh J., Bahaardwar V. Kumra A. (2018). In Knowledge, attitude and practice towards exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers: descriptive cross-sectional study. DOI: 10.18311/ijmds/2018/18906
Swigart, T. M., Bonvecchio, A., The´odore, F. L., Zamudio-Haas, S., Villanueva-Borbolla, M. A., and
Thrasher, J. F. (2017). Breastfeeding practices, beliefs, and social norms in low-resource communities in
Mexico: Insights for how to improve future promotion strategies. PLoS ONE, 12(7), e0180185.
Tewabe, T., Mandesh, A., Gualu, T., Alem, G., Mekuria, G., and Zeleke, H. (2017). Exclusive breastfeeding
practice and associated factors among mothers in Motta town, East Gojjam zone, Amhara Regional
State, Ethiopia, 2015: A cross-sectional study. International Breastfeeding Journal, 12(1).
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) Global(104-115) 115
Breastfeeding Scorecard (2017). Tracking Progress for Breastfeeding Policies and Programs. New
York. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) Global
Breastfeeding Scorecard, (2017 Tracking Progress for Breastfeeding Policies and Programs. New
York.
WHO (2009). Infant and Young Child Feeding. Model Chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied
health professionals. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Wolde Tsedeke, Emiru Adeba, and Alemu Sufa Melka (2014). Prevalence of Chronic Malnutrition (Stunting) and Determinant Factors among Children Aged 0-23 Months in Western Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Journal of Nutritional Disorder & Therapy. DOI: 10.4172/2161-0509.1000148 Downloaded on 29/04/2025.
World Health Organization (1990). Innocent declaration on the protection, promotion, and support of
breastfeeding. Geneva, Switzerland: 1990.
World Health Organization (1991). Indicators for assessing breastfeeding practices. Report of an informal
meeting. Geneva, Switzerland.
World Health Organization (2012). 10 facts on child health. Geneva, Switzerland:
World Health Organization. (2018). Infant and young child feeding. Geneva.
World Health Organization. (2024). Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
Wyatt, (2018). Wyatt adopts a breastfeeding policy in support of its women lawyers.