First Time Mothers Perception and Experience About Breastfeeding Support Received from Nurses in Health Facilities in Aba (Published)
This study investigated perception and explore the experiences of first-time mothers on breastfeeding support received from nurses in health facilities in Aba Nigeria. Four research questions and two hypothesis guided the study. The design of the study was a quantitative and qualitative design method. The population of this study comprised an accessible population of 386 women attending antenatal and post-natal in selected health facilities in Aba. Random sampling techniques was used to select 198 first time mothers from the population. A researcher made questionnaire and interview was used to collect data for the study. The questionnaire was subjected to a reliability test using Crombach Alpha and a reliability index of 0.71 was obtained. The data gotten from the instrument were analysed using mean and standard deviation while the interview data were analysed through several steps of systematising, condensing, and interpreting the data. The findings of the study revealed that 2% of the respondents were singles, 65% were married, 23% were divorced, 5% were separated while 5% were widows. 5% of the respondents had attended primary education, 25% had attended secondary education, 60% had attended tertiary education while 10% had no formal education. 5% of the respondents were business women, 25% were civil servants, 60% worked in private sector while 10% were artisans. Furthermore, the result revealed that the perception of first-time mothers on information breastfeeding support received from nurses in some selected health facilities in Aba includes and not limited to the fact that Nurses give enough breastfeeding information to first time mothers and that the encouragement of first time mothers is very important. The study concludes that first-time mothers do need professional, practical and social support in the form of information, emotional support and encouragement for initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Therefore, the study recommends that Nurses should they educate first time mothers on the importance of breastfeeding during antenatal.
Keywords: ABA, Experience, Health Facilities, Mothers Perception, Nurses, breastfeeding support, first time
Male Involvement in Maternal-And-Child-Health Care: Perceptions of Midwives, Women and Men in PHCs in Aba, Abia State (Published)
Male involvement in MCH care is an effective strategy to combat maternal and child health problems during pregnancy, child-birth and postpartum period. This study explored the perceptions of women, men and nurse-midwives regarding male involvement in MCH care in Aba, Abia State. Three objectives and corresponding research questions were raised for the study. Focus group qualitative research method/design was adopted. Three sample groups comprising of 10 women, 10 men and 10 nurse-midwives participated in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. The primary sampling units were the four selected primary health care centres (PHCs) in Aba. Instruments for data collection were the Focus Group Discussion Guides (FGDG) for women, men and nurse-midwives. The instruments were validated. The two tape recorders used in this study were pretested to ascertain their functionality before the actual focus group discussion sessions commenced. Focus group qualitative data were collected from women, men and nurse-midwives, using the respective FGDG. Audio tape recording of discussions with participants were done. Qualitative data collected from the study were analysed using qualitative data analysis technique. Results revealed the perception of women, men and nurse–midwives in Aba regarding male involvement in MCH care. The women focus group results showed ways of men involvement in MCH Care; women expectations of their partners during pregnancy; and factors affecting women’s perception of male involvement in MCH care. The men focus group results showed men’s opinions regarding their involvement in MCH care; and factors that restrict their involvement in MCH care. The nurse-midwives focus group results showed factors discouraging male involvement in MCH care; men’s responsibilities in MCH care; and benefits of male involvement in MCH care. Recommendation was made to Abia State ministry of health to develop intervention programme to encourage men involvement in MCH care.
Keywords: ABA, Abia State, Men, Midwives, PHCs, Women, male involvement, maternal-and-child-health care