Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59338/cmj.85Keywords:
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Nurses, Barriers, Work Support, Maternity Leave, NepalAbstract
Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is critical for infant health and development. Despite awareness and knowledge, many working mothers, including nurses, struggle to adhere to the World Health Organization's recommendation of six months of exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify barriers to EBF among nurses working in a tertiary hospital in Nepal and assess their knowledge and EBF practices.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 27th October to 9th November 2021 among 54 nurses with children under two years of age at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests were used to explore associations between sociodemographic variables and EBF.
Results: Only 11.1% of the respondents exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months. The primary barriers cited were early return to work (62.5%) and insufficient breastmilk production (27%). While 66.7% of the participants had good knowledge of breastfeeding, knowledge gaps remained regarding expressed breast milk (EBM). EBF rates were significantly lower among mothers with contractual employment (p = 0.017). Additionally, family type was significantly associated with EBF (p = 0.0206), with mothers from nuclear families less likely to practice EBF compared to those in joint families. Limited workplace support, inadequate maternity leave, and absence of lactation facilities were significant hindrances.
Conclusion: Despite good knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding rates among nurses were low. Work-related barriers, especially early return to duty and lack of breastfeeding support facilities, were prominent. These findings highlight the need for stronger workplace policies, including extended maternity leave, dedicated lactation facilities, and supportive work schedules to improve EBF practices among nurses.
