Enabling and inhibiting factors of exclusive breastfeeding among women in Nigeria: A qualitative systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) has several benefits for both mothers and babies. Notwithstanding, a wide range of empirical evidence reveals a low prevalence of EBF worldwide. The low majority is even worse in developing continents, including Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have demonstrated the Influence of factors such as social support, adequate knowledge of EBF, and favourable working conditions as enabling factors for the practice of EBF among women in Nigeria. Similarly, socio-cultural beliefs, unfavourable working conditions, physiological factors, and financial constraints have all been linked to sub-optimal rates of EBF practice in the country. A systematic review, therefore, sought to synthesise available evidence to inform interventions for increasing EBF uptake in Nigeria.

Methods: Four electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials), and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)) were searched for references up to July 2023 to investigate the barriers and enablers to exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Nigeria. Only qualitative studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were included in the review. Nigerian Women of reproductive age formed the target population.

Results: Seven studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Several factors were identified as inhibitors of exclusive breastfeeding, including perceived insufficiency of breast milk, socio-cultural beliefs and practices, lack of social support, unfavourable working conditions, and lack of finance for proper maternal nutrition. On the other hand, maternal knowledge and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, social support, and the experiences of other women were identified as enabling factors of exclusive breastfeeding among women in Nigeria.

Conclusion: While this review has provided valuable insights into the factors influencing EBF among women in Nigeria, it also highlights the need for more nuanced, culturally sensitive, and extensive research into the challenges and opportunities for exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria via qualitative studies. Accordingly, the review has shown that EBF in Nigeria is multi-factorial and, therefore, requires a multi-pronged approach to improving its uptake in the country.