FACTORS AND CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG WORKING MOTHERS ATTENDING THE YOUNG CHILD CLINIC AT GULU REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
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Date
2026
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Gulu University
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains suboptimal among working mothers despite efforts by WHO and UNICEF to promote it. Balancing employment and childcare may create challenges that limit mothers’ ability to practice EBF. However, limited information exists on the factors and challenges influencing EBF among working mothers attending the Young Child Clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence, factors, and challenges influencing EBF among working mothers attending the clinic. Methods: The study was carried out at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital at the Young Child Clinic (YCC). 415 working breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0-12 months, living in Gulu city and attending Young Child Clinic, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to get the factors and challenges associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Systematic sampling was used to
select the study participants. Data were analysed using robust modified Poisson regression to determine the independent factors and challenges associated with EBF. Results: The mean age of the working breastfeeding mothers was 28 years (SD 5.6), and the mean age of infants was 5.2 months (SD 2.5). 75 (18%) practiced EBF for six completed months. Independent factors associated with EBF at multivariate analysis were; initiating breastfeeding within one month after birth (aPR=0.62, 95% CI=0.47-0.82, P=0.001) and good attitude (aPR=0.75, 95% CI=0.59- 0.94, P=0.011), were positively associated with EBF, while mothers earning less than 500,000UGX, (aPR=1.2, 95%CI=1.05-1.59, P=0.016) and mothers who reported that breastfeeding made working difficult (aPR=2.15, 95% CI=1.31–3.51, P=0.002) were negatively associated with EBF. Reported challenges were insufficient breast milk, problems with the nipples and breasts, not
being well, lack of support from their spouses and limited time for breastfeeding. Conclusion: The practice of EBF among working mothers attending Young Child Clinic at Gulu RRH is still very low. Significant factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding included maternal monthly income, initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery, maternal attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding, and difficulties experienced with breastfeeding due to work. . These findings highlight the need for supportive maternity and workplace breastfeeding policies, targeted breastfeeding education, and livelihood support for postpartum mothers to address barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in attending YCC at GRRH
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Exclusive Breastfeeding, working mothers, factors, and challenges