Barriers and Promoters of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Among Nursing Mothers From Rural Communities in Two Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infants’ growth and development. However, in some African communities, cultural practices and myths were identified as key factors militating against this practice. This study introduced drama to debunk some cultural practices and myths affecting EBF practices. Methodology: A qualitative aspect from a large quasi-experimental study. Fifty-six lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months were recruited and assigned into experimental (28) and control (28) groups. Four (4) focus group discussions out of which twenty-four in-depth interviews were drawn. A semi-structured interview with the FGDs guide was used to obtained information from the respondents. Data was thematically analysed and all responses were recorded with a recorder and transcribed. All the transcription was generated into a code and put into themes used for reporting. Results: Most respondents from both groups reported having heard about EBF at religion centres, clinics, and radio programmes. Respondents in both groups shared their diverse experience on EBF like increased demand for breastmilk and mother’s inability to sleep well. Barriers such as husband influence, house chores, infant illness were also identified with EBF. For the control group, respondent expressed their skepticism about not giving water to infant before six months even when thirsty. Respondents in the experimental group highlighted how drama-based intervention had positively influenced the practice of EBF. Conclusion: Drama intervention at the prenatal phase significantly enhanced EBF practice among rural women, hence, it can serve as a strong strategy for future initiatives.