Workplace-related and socio-demographic factors that influence Exclusive Breastfeeding among working mothers attending health services at Entebbe Grade B Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/n9f2mc47Keywords:
Exclusive breastfeeding, Working mothers, Workplace factors, Maternity leave, Breastfeeding support, Infant health, Entebbe Grade B HospitalAbstract
Background:
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for optimal infant growth, nutrition, and immunity during the first six months of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the Workplace-related factors that influence Exclusive Breastfeeding among working mothers attending health services at Entebbe Grade B Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional descriptive study design with a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 59 respondents. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel, and data was presented as frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, and pie charts to illustrate the results.
Results:
More than half, 34(54%) of the mothers were staying in urban centers. According to the employment status, results revealed that 29(60%) were employed full-time. According to the belief in exclusive breastfeeding, 27 (54%) strongly disagreed, and 28 (56%) had no formal education. 44 (75%) were employed. Out of those who were employed most, 12 (67%) were poor.33(62%) did not have breastfeeding breaks during working hours; others who were given breastfeeding breaks, only 4(6%) were fully given privacy. 44(79%) were not given maternity leave at the workplace. 48(88%) had breastfed their children, but only a few 20(33%) had actually exclusively breastfed them for the first 6 months.
Conclusion:
Workplace-related challenges, such as lack of maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, and privacy, along with low awareness, negatively affect exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers at Entebbe Grade B Hospital.
Recommendations:
Employers should provide maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, and private spaces for breastfeeding, while health workers should strengthen education on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Samuel Amani, Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Hasifah Nansereko, Janefrank Nalubega, Immaculate Prsoperia Naggulu (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
