Impact of maternal demographics on knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Ifelodun local government, Nigeria

Background: Breastfeeding remains the recommended feeding plan for infants however; several factors seem to affect its knowledge and practice.Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the impact of maternal demographics of age, educational status, religious affili- ation and number of parities on knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Ifelodun Local government area, Nigeria. Methods: The study employed a descriptive survey method. A total of 206 nursing mothers in Ifelodun Local Government were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques. The participants responded to a researcher-designed ques-tionnaire titled Knowledge of Exclusive Breastfeeding Questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the instrument were es-tablished. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For the demographic data, percentage was employed while chi-square statistical tool was employed to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significant level.Results: Nursing mothers in Ifelodun Local Government Area have high knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (N=76.8%). Also, maternal demographics of age (X2= 25P=0.03), educational status (X2= 62.72; P=0.00), religious affiliation (X2= 11.01; P=0.01) and number of parity (X2= 84.01; P=0.02) have significant impact on mothers' knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusions: Nursing mothers in Ifelodun Local Government Area, have knowledge of exclusive breast feeding especially those who are older, literate, Christian; and multi-parous. Maternal demographics should be considered when educating nursing mothers on exclusive breastfeeding.