Prevalence and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Among Working Class Mothers in Kano Municipal, Nigeria

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and appropriate complementary feeding are essential for improving infant survival, growth, and development. However, many working mothers face challenges in maintaining recommended infant feeding practices because of workplace constraints, cultural beliefs, and family inluence. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among working mothers in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 325 working mothers with children aged 0–24 months. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using interviewer‑administered structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Chi‑square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Statistical signiicance was set at 𝑝 < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for six months was 52.3%, while only 27.1% of mothers introduced complementary feeding at the recommended age of six months. Availability of breastfeeding breaks at the workplace (𝑝 = 0.029), community encouragement (𝑝 = 0.001), family support (𝑝 = 0.001), absence of discouraging traditional beliefs (𝑝 < 0.001),
cultural inluence (𝑝 = 0.026), advice from elders (𝑝 < 0.001), and attendance at breastfeeding counselling sessions (𝑝 = 0.013) were signiicantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Logistic regression analysis identiied workplace breastfeeding support, family and community support, traditional beliefs, elder advice, and breastfeeding counselling as signiicant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence among working mothers was moderate, while appropriate complementary feeding practices remained low. Workplace support, breastfeeding education, and stronger family and community support systems are essential for improving optimal infant feeding practices.