Knowledge level and experience among mothers with babies between (7-15 months) at Senase community, Berekum Municipality.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge level and experience among mothers with babies between (7-15 months) at Senase community, Berekum Municipality. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling was be used. Structured questionnaire was administered to nursing mothers of babies 7-15 months. Data was entered and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (version 22; SPSS). The study found that when respondents were asked to indicate the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding, 82% (41) of the respondents indicated 6 months. 62% (31) of the respondents knew that breastmilk can be expressed, stored safely and given to the child in times of the mother’s absence and the remaining 38%(19) had no idea that breastmilk can be expressed and stored safely in times of the mother`s absence. On factors associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding among respondents, 74% (37) of the respondents indicated that breastmilk was sufficient for the baby. The study concluded that there was high level of knowledge among breastfeeding mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. However, with experience on exclusive breastfeeding some of the respondents were not able to manage household chores and exclusively breastfeed (52%). Also, on the factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, majority (74%) of the respondents had enough breastmilk to breastfeed.