KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF FEMALE BANKERS TOWARD THE PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF FEMALE BANKERS TOWARD THE PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of female bankers toward the practice of exclusive breast feeding in IkpobaOkha local government area in Benin City, Edo state. The background of the study gave a general and comprehensive introduction of the study, statement of the problem were identified. The significance of the study was outlined and operational definition of terms was included for proper understanding, scope of study was also drawn out current related literature were reviewed and theoretical framework that, is relevant lo the study that is discussed. Questionnaires with open and closed ended questions were administered to 115 respondents and all were retrieved and a total of 100 that were properly filled were analysed. Date was analyzed using frequency table, percentages pie chart and bar charts. The discussion of result and interpretation of findings were made. The results from the findings in figure IV shows that 95 (95%) of the respondents have good knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding while in figure IX only 15(15%) practices exclusive Breastfeeding. From the above, it was observed that the respondents have good knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding had no influence on their poor attitude towards the practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding. Other factors such as early resumption to duty and late closing hour as seen in figure VII, XIX 98 (98%) and also lack of support from colleagues in figure XIX 96 (96%) are other hindrances to the effective practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding.

The findings result revealed that female bankers have good knowledge about Exclusive Breastfeeding while their attitude towards the practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding is very poor. Recommendations and suggestion for further study were made.

KEYWORDS:    KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, EEMALE BANKERS, RACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING, IKPOBA OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENIN CITY.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding is considered the most complete nutritional source for infants, because, breast milk contains the essential fats, carbohydrates, proteins and immunological factors needed for infants to thrive and resist infection in the formative year. Cardwell and Barry, 2004, jones et al, 2003 in their analysis of child survival strategies, identified exclusive breastfeeding from b to u months as the single most effective preventive intervention in reducing child mortality with the potential of saving 1.3 million infants uses annually.

Similary, leoan-cava et al (2003), have observed that improved breast feeding practices are crucial for child growth and development. However, advocate of breast feeding have noticed that there have been steady decline due to the behaviour of female bankers. This is particularly more pronounced in developing countries, like Nigeria.

Wagner et al, (2005) have also observed that despite all the recommendations by experts as regard infants breast feeding for the first size months of life, a significant percentage of mothers choose not to breastfeed. Work and family conflict are the major concern to many, if not all, the most female bankers over the world. Most of the banking institution continue to spend resources in an attempt to help their staffs manage family duties and responsibilities at work place; however, work and family boundary (exclusive breastfeeding) have been the most challenging factor associated with female bankers in ikpoba hill, Benin city (cooner 2002)

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF FEMALE BANKERS TOWARD THE PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE