Enablers and barriers of exclusive breast feeding among adolescent mothers at Chanika Maternity Hospital, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Exclusive breast feeding is key in preventing diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, which are the main causes of newborn deaths. However, only 40% of infants less than 6 months are breast fed exclusively. Adolescent mothers are commonly receiving least attention, and most do not adhere to exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential to understand the barriers to and facilitators of exclusive breastfeeding in this vulnerable group. Objectives: To explore the enablers and barriers of exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent mothers at Chanika Maternity Hospital, Dar es Salaam. Methodology: The study used explorative qualitative study design of 10 adolescent mothers who were conveniently recruited for the study. In-depth interviewing was used as data collection method. While thematic analysis technique was used to analyze qualitative data. In-depth interviewing was employed as data collection method. While content analysis techniques were used to analyses qualitative data. Results: The study revealed that cost of breast feeding, advice from care providers and support from family and friends enables practice of exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent mothers. Also, fear, tight work schedule, inadequate nutrition and misunderstanding with in-laws were the barriers to exclusively breastfeed among Adolescent mothers at Chanika Maternity Hospital. Conclusion and recommendations: The study show that cost breast feeding, advice from health care providers, and support from family and friends enablers practice of exclusive breastfeeding. However, pressure from family members to supplement breastfeeding with formula milk, fear, tight work schedule and inadequate nutrition were the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among Adolescent mothers. The study recommended education programs for adolescent mothers and their families about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Also, counseling services to address the specific concerns of adolescent mothers should be available I promote exclusive breast feeding among adolescent mothers. Key Words: Exclusive breastfeeding, Adolescent mothers, Maternity Hospital.