Table 2.
Knowledge and attitude of mothers (n = 634) towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), Debre Berhan District, April 2014
| Characteristics | Frequency | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | ||
| Ever heard about exclusive breastfeeding | ||
| Yes | 618 | 97.5 |
| No | 16 | 2.5 |
| If you have heard about exclusive breastfeeding, from whom (n = 618)¥ | ||
| Health Extension Workers / Health Workers | 559 | 90.5 |
| Mass media (radio or television) | 188 | 30.4 |
| Husband | 151 | 24.4 |
| Friends/colleagues | 114 | 18.4 |
| Health Development Army | 60 | 9.7 |
| Community Health Agents | 59 | 9.5 |
| Ideal time duration for EBF | ||
| correct time (6 months ) | 529 | 83.4 |
| Incorrect time (less or greater than 6 months) | 105 | 16.6 |
| Ideal time to wean an infant | ||
| correct time (6 months ) | 453 | 71.5 |
| Incorrect time | 181 | 28.5 |
| Attitude | ||
| Why do you breastfeed your infant (n = 634) ¥ | ||
| An accepted norm to EBF infant | 451 | 71.1 |
| It is natural gift | 185 | 29.2 |
| it is clean and accessible | 130 | 20.5 |
| Easy and cost effective | 68 | 10.7 |
| Do you want to breastfeed your next baby? | ||
| Yes | 519 | 81.9 |
| No | 25 | 3.9 |
| Don’t want any more children | 90 | 14.2 |
| Do you encourage mothers to EBF their infant? | ||
| yes | 618 | 97.5 |
| No | 16 | 2.5 |
| Why do you encourage exclusive breastfeeding? (n = 634) ¥ | ||
| Prevent infection and infant death | 421 | 68.1 |
| Improve infant's strength | 228 | 36.9 |
| Cost effective | 121 | 19.6 |
¥- sum greater than hundred due to multiple responses