ROLE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN PROMOTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the role of healthcare providers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding within public health facilities, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to analyze a dataset of 300 mothers. Quantitative analysis revealed a high breastfeeding initiation rate (78.33%) and a notable rate of exclusive breastfeeding the time of discharge (67%). However, an average duration of exclusive breastfeeding (3.52 months) fell short of the recommended six months. Linear regression showed a minimal negative impact of healthcare provider strategy scores on exclusive breastfeeding duration, while ANOVA indicated no significant differences in breastfeeding outcomes across facilities. The findings underscore the critical influence of healthcare providers in the initiation and early continuation of exclusive breastfeeding but highlight a gap in sustaining it for the recommended duration. The study suggests a need for revising breastfeeding support strategies to enhance their long-term effectiveness and recommends further training and resources for healthcare providers to overcome identified challenges.