Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of
mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding at Kampala International University Hospital.
This study used a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which data were collected at one
point in time. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on exclusive
breastfeeding from breastfeeding mothers. Data were entered into Excel spreadsheets and
analyzed. The results are presented by frequency and percentage in tabular form. 170
people were recruited and mothers' knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding showed that
70.6% (120) said this was the first breastfeeding after giving birth, 85.9% (146) said know
they breastfeed after 1 hour, 52.4% (89) said breast milk is yellow, 39.4% (67) agree that
children can only be breastfed, however, 63.5% (108) think that breastfeeding protects
children from diseases, about 70.6 % do not believe that breastfeeding will prevent
pregnancy. Attitudes towards breastfeeding show that 92.9% believe that children should
be breastfed on demand. 87.1% (148) believe that it is very beneficial for the baby and the
mother, while 77.6% (132) consider exclusive breastfeeding to be outdated because there
are substitutes in the form of commercial milk and infant formula, 94.7% (161) believe that
infant formula is a better alternative to exclusive breastfeeding.44.1% (75) agreed that
breastfed babies appear to be healthier than formula-fed babies, while 55.9% (95) disagreed.
97.6% (166) breastfed their babies 1 hour after birth, while 92.9% (158) occasionally gave
their babies water, 86.5% (147) gave their babies cow's milk instead of breastfeeding Mom.
About 35.3% (60) said they would breastfeed even if not asked, while 64. 7% (110) would
not breastfeed if not asked. This study concluded that despite mothers' awareness of
exclusive breastfeeding, many mothers still do not believe in exclusive breastfeeding.
Mothers in this study were observed mixing milk with water and porridge to feed their
children.