Research Article

Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Knowledge, Attitude, and Spousal Support on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality. Despite global and national efforts to promote EBF, its practice remains suboptimal in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Objective: This study examined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and spousal support on exclusive breastfeeding practices among breastfeeding mothers in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among breastfeeding mothers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, spousal support, and exclusive breastfeeding practices. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, logistic regression, and multiple regression analyses were employed. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: Significant associations were observed between attitude and age (χ2 = 13.224, p = 0.001), marital status (χ2 = 18.118, p <0.001), educational level (χ2 = 13.627, p = 0.003), employment status (χ2 = 12.472, p = 0.002), household income (χ2 = 14.326, p = 0.001), and family structure (χ2 = 6.456, p = 0.011). Knowledge was significantly associated with age (χ2 = 19.783, p <0.001), marital status (χ2 = 18.334, p <0.001), employment status (χ2 = 24.072, p <0.001), household income (χ2 = 22.445, p <0.001), and educational level (χ2 = 11.464, p = 0.009). No significant association was found between socio-demographic characteristics and breastfeeding practice. Logistic regression revealed that household income and family structure significantly influenced EBF. Mothers from medium income households had lower odds of practicing EBF (OR = 0.203, p <0.001), while family structure significantly predicted EBF (OR = 0.565, p = 0.036). Knowledge (OR = 3.338, p <0.001) and attitude (OR = 2.237, p <0.001) significantly predicted EBF. Multiple regression showed that attitude (β = 0.139, p = 0.008) and spousal support (β = 0.107, p = 0.050) were significant predictors of EBF. Conclusion: Positive maternal attitudes, adequate knowledge, favorable household income, family structure, and spousal support significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions aimed at improving maternal attitudes and strengthening partner involvement may enhance EBF uptake. 

Authors affiliation:

Oluwasegun Isaac Ayegbayo (ORCID): Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu: Lead City University, Public Health Department, Tollgate, Ibadan Lagos Express road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Adjunct Research Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Ibadan, Nigeria. Research Committee Secretary, Lead City University, Tollgate, Ibadan, Lagos Express road, Nigeria.
Adeyoyin Elizabeth Abimbola: Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, 4, Baltic Crescent off Danube Street Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. 
Agnes Aderinola Oyeniran: Centre for Population and Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Grace Odunayo Ajayi: Lead City University, Public Health Department, Toll gate, Ibadan, Lagos, Ibadan Express road, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Omobolanle Mary Adedapo: Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Olanike Mutiat Abimbola: Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Josiah Ayomide Adewuyi: Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

How to Cite: O.I. Ayegbayo, F.T. Akinsolu, A.E. Abimbola, A.A. Oyeniran, G.O. Ajayi, O.M. Adedapo, O.M. Abimbola and J.A. Adewuyi. Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Knowledge, Attitude, and Spousal Support on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Healthcare Issues, 5(2):11–19, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58614/hi523