Thesis:

Assessment of exclusive breastfeeding practice and Associated factors among lactating mothers in waberi Location, Garissa county

During the first six months after birth, an infant should be exclusively breastfed, without any other liquids or solids, including water, except for vitamins, minerals, medication drops, or syrups. Globally, only 50% of newborns begin breastfeeding within the first hour of life. In the least developed countries, just 41% and 39% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, falling short of the 2030 global target. EBF practices there are not up to par. This study's mainobjective was to evaluate exclusive breastfeeding practices and related factors. The Waberi location in Garissa County in the North Eastern province was the site of the study. Garissa County with a sample size of 145 respondents which was generated by the use of the Fischers et al Formula. A two stage cluster and purposive sampling technique ensured all management levels were well represented as respondents in the study. Quantitative data was collected using asemi structured questionnaire, while qualitative data was gathered through key informant interviews with the aid of a key informant guide. Following data collection, the researcher performed data cleaning and coding. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0, while qualitative data analysis was supported by content analysis. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequencies, along with inferential statistics such as chi-square tests and binary logistic regression, were used to assess associations between dependent and independent variables, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from Mount Kenya University's ethics and review committee, and permission was secured from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) to begin data collection. Participant confidentiality was strictly maintained, and participation was voluntary. From this research, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was low(43.5%) which is a public health concern. In the maternal factor associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices, having a smaller family size(OR=2.5,95 C.I, 0.107-1.407), lactating mothers who sought ANC attendance(OR=2.3,95 C.I, 0.181-1.046), and having a secondary level of education(OR=3.5,95 C.I, 0.267-3.601), increased the odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding. In examining socio-cultural factors related to exclusive breastfeeding, the presence of social support(OR=2.8,95 C.I, 0. 166-0.768) increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding, while harmful cultural practices(OR=3.2,95 C.I, 1.456-6.860) decreased it. Additionally, amongsocioeconomicfactors, employment(OR=5.6,95 C.I,0.078-0.407) was linked to higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding. The Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders should implement health education and promotion programs to advocate for exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant and lactating mothers, helping them gain sufficient knowledge of its benefits