Exclusive Breast feeding Practices among Yoruba and Hausa ethnic groups in South West Nigeria: a comparative Study

Introduction: Knowledge and attitude of mothers towards the practice of exclusive breast feeding is high, however, in spite of the advantages accrued to its practice, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is low among breastfeeding mothers. This suggests that knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding does not translate to practice of it. This study examines the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among Yoruba and Hausa ethnic groups in Ile-Ife, South West, Nigeria comparatively. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 breastfeeding mothers of Yoruba and Hausa respectively. Focus group discussions were held with both Yoruba and Hausa mothers and in-depth interview with health officials in the Hausa and Yoruba communities. Results: Level of awareness of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be high among both categories of mothers (99.6% of Yoruba and 91-8% of Hausa mothers), the level of practice being higher amidst Yoruba (about 32% than Hausa (26%) mothers. Each of perception of effect of EBF on health of mothers and the effectiveness of EBF in spacing children (X2 =.746, P=0.017) was found to be significant in influencing Hausa mothers’ practice of EBF, but not significant for EBF for Yoruba mothers (X2 12.955, P=0.01) but not for Hausa mother. A significant difference was found in the practice of EBF between Yoruba and Hausa mothers (X2 = 56.282, P =0.000). Conclusion: Yoruba and Hausa mothers face significant challenges in a bid to exclusively breastfeed their babies. Efforts should be made to involve other bodies such as government, religious and civil bodies in campaign programs on EBF.