Barriers and facilitators of exclusive breastfeeding: Findings from a Barrier Analysis Conducted in Mwenezi and Chiredzi Districts, Zimbabwe

  • Gugulethu Thandeka Moyo Texas Tech University
  • Tapiwa Magaisa Nutrition Action Zimbabwe
  • Arthur Pagiwa Food and Nutrition Policy Research Institute
  • Rutendo Kandawasvika
  • Loveness Nyanga University of Zimbabwe
  • Zephenia Gomora
  • Wilna Oldewage-Theron Texas Tech University
Keywords: infant feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, Zimbabwe, breastfeeding counselling, community-based, self-efficacy, social support, perceived breast milk insufficiency

Abstract

A barrier analysis study was carried out in Mwenezi and Chiredzi Districts of Zimbabwe, to guide the development of a community-based behaviour change program. The aim of the barrier analysis was to identify factors that influenced a woman’s infant feeding and care practices. This paper reports the findings for one behaviour, exclusive breastfeeding. The study was based on the methodology from “A Practical Guide to Conducting a Barrier Analysis” (Kittle 2013). Structured in-depth interviews were administered to 91 women who were mothers of infants under the age of six months, 46 of whom who were exclusively breastfeeding and 45 who were not. Issues pertaining to self-efficacy, social support and perceived risks and benefits, as well as cultural and community norms and rules were identified. The qualitative analysis included sorting and identifying themes. Common barriers for exclusive breastfeeding were influence from the mother-in-law, high maternal workload, and perceived breast milk insufficiency. The main enablers were breastfeeding knowledge, the presence of a spouse/partner who assisted with chores and nurses who provided breastfeeding information. The insights gained from this study were used by Nutrition Action Zimbabwe to develop a behaviour change programme that was implemented from 2018-2020.

Author Biographies

Gugulethu Thandeka Moyo, Texas Tech University

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Loveness Nyanga, University of Zimbabwe

Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences

Wilna Oldewage-Theron, Texas Tech University

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Published
2020-09-29
Section
Original research