THE ROLE OF BREASTFEEDING IN PREVENTING MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY IN PAZE ACROSS KUBWA BWARI AREA COUNCIL ABUJA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Breastfeeding is a universally recognized practice that not only provides optimal nutrition for infants but also confers long-term health benefits to both infants and mothers. Globally, exclusive breastfeeding is acknowledged as one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Research over the years has strongly supported that breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases, enhances immunological defenses through the transfer of maternal antibodies, and improves cognitive development in infants (Gavine et al., 2022 ; Lyons et al., 2020 ). Additionally, breastfeeding has been linked to improved maternal health outcomes, such as accelerated postpartum recovery and decreased risks of certain cancers and metabolic diseases (Elbeltagi et al., 2023 ).

In the context of Nigeria, where maternal and infant mortality rates remain alarmingly high, the role of breastfeeding assumes even greater significance. Numerous studies have indicated that inadequate breastfeeding practices are associated with heightened risks of neonatal infections, malnutrition, and even long-term developmental deficits in children (Nwanze et al., 2023 ). For instance, work by Mallampati et al. (2018 ) has demonstrated that the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding can critically determine infant survival rates, particularly among populations already vulnerable due to socioeconomic constraints. Such findings underscore the potential of strengthening breastfeeding interventions as a strategy to combat infant mortality.

Moreover, the impact of breastfeeding is not solely confined to early childhood outcomes. As documented by Bhatia et al. (2019 ), historical data from early 20th-century interventions illustrates how structural shifts in breastfeeding practices contributed significantly to the decline in infant mortality rates. This precedent is especially relevant for modern healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where improvements in breastfeeding practices could lead to substantial reductions in infant and maternal deaths.

In recent years, the challenges posed by public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further highlighted the need for robust support systems to sustain breastfeeding practices. Wood et al. (2025 ) documented the nuances of breastfeeding relationships during the pandemic, emphasizing that the stability of home-based breastfeeding practices can be disrupted by external stressors, thereby affecting infant health. Such insights are crucial for understanding the dynamics of breastfeeding in contemporary contexts and highlight the need to invest in resilience-building measures within healthcare support systems.

In settings like Paze, across Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, the interplay between cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and healthcare infrastructure plays a critical role in determining breastfeeding outcomes. Traditional practices and sometimes prevailing misconceptions about infant feeding can undermine the uptake of exclusive breastfeeding despite the clear benefits documented in international literature (Seabela et al., 2023 ). For example, studies such as those by Thet et al. (2018 ) have demonstrated how community-level interventions, when culturally tailored, can promote more positive breastfeeding behaviours. Such intervention models are imperative for regions like the study area, where localized barriers may impede optimal breastfeeding practices.

Research from diverse parts of the world has shown that educational interventions targeted at mothers and caregivers can lead to substantial improvements in both initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Doan et al. (2020 ) found that empowering mothers through technology-based education, such as mobile applications, greatly enhanced breastfeeding self-efficacy. Similar correlations have been observed in settings where health workers play a proactive role in providing support, as seen in studies conducted in Kenya and South Africa (Nabakwe et al., 2022 ; Horwood et al., 2020 ). These global perspectives provide important lessons that can be adapted to the socio-cultural fabric of Abuja.

Furthermore, the mechanistic understanding of how breastfeeding contributes to reducing mortality extends beyond nutritional supplementation. Breast milk is known to convey a host of bioactive components that protect infants against infections and chronic conditions (Lyons et al., 2020 ; Froń & Orczyk-Pawiłowicz, 2024 ). For mothers, the act of breastfeeding induces hormonal changes that may lower the risk of postpartum depression and aid in the regulation of metabolic pathways, thereby reducing long-term health complications (Carretero-Krug et al., 2024 ).

In the Nigerian context, where maternal and infant mortality rates continue to present serious public health challenges, the direct link between breastfeeding practices and mortality reduction becomes even more imperative. Recent reviews have highlighted that structural interventions emphasizing breastfeeding promotion can serve as a cost-effective approach to ameliorating these challenges (von Salmuth et al., 2021 ). Additionally, the integration of breastfeeding support in community health strategies is essential not only for improving nutrition but also for creating a supportive environment that benefits overall public health (Cooper et al., 2019 ).

Given that the study area, Paze across Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, is characterized by a mix of urban and semi-urban populations with diverse cultural practices, the dynamics of breastfeeding might be influenced by a combination of traditional beliefs, healthcare accessibility, and prevailing socioeconomic factors. The empirical evidence suggests that inadequate breastfeeding practices directly contribute to adverse health outcomes, thus contributing to high mortality rates among mothers and infants in such settings (Rabbani et al., 2020 ). Moreover, insights from studies in similar socio-economic contexts reveal that barriers such as insufficient healthcare support, misinformation regarding feeding practices, and an absence of sustained community-level interventions are significant hurdles that must be addressed (Samburu et al., 2021 ; Rafizadeh et al., 2019 ).

Furthermore, contemporary research has also indicated that promoting optimal breastfeeding practices requires multifaceted strategies which include not only policy interventions but also community mobilization and health education. For instance, initiatives that promote the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) have shown promising results in enhancing breastfeeding outcomes by ensuring that mothers receive adequate support immediately postpartum (Lojander et al., 2022 ). Such interventions have the dual advantage of fostering both short- and long-term health benefits, thus contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates.

Taken together, these insights demonstrate that breastfeeding is far more than a nutritional practice; it is a complex, multidimensional behavior that directly influences maternal and infant survival. In addressing the challenges of high mortality rates in Nigeria, particularly in areas where traditional beliefs and modern healthcare intersect, the reinforcement of breastfeeding practices stands out as a pivotal public health strategy. The current study seeks to bridge the gap between existing international evidence and local practices in the study area, thereby contributing to a nuanced understanding of how breastfeeding can serve as a preventive measure against maternal and infant mortality.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, maternal and infant mortality rates remain unacceptably high in several parts of Nigeria, including the study area of Paze in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja. In Nigeria, inadequate breastfeeding practices, coupled with socio-cultural misconceptions and weak healthcare support systems, have been linked to heightened vulnerability of infants to infections and malnutrition (Nwanze et al., 2023 ). This is compounded by the fact that many mothers, despite being aware of the benefits, face numerous challenges that prevent the consistent and exclusive practice of breastfeeding. Such challenges include limited access to accurate health information, insufficient support at community and healthcare levels, and economic constraints that force mothers to return to work soon after delivery (Thet et al., 2018 ).

Furthermore, while research from global settings has shown that structured interventions can significantly enhance breastfeeding practices (Gavine et al., 2022 ; Doan et al., 2020 ), there is still a significant gap in localized studies that contextualize these interventions within the cultural and socio-economic landscape of Abuja. The paucity of data that is grounded in the local context means that strategies developed at the national or international level may not fully address the unique barriers faced by mothers in Paze. Therefore, a focused investigation is required to identify the specific factors hindering optimal breastfeeding practices and to determine how these practices can be improved to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the region.

In essence, the persistent prevalence of inadequate breastfeeding practices represents both a symptom and a contributing factor to high mortality rates. This study will explore how reinforcing breastfeeding practices could mitigate these outcomes and provide evidence-based recommendations that are culturally sensitive and operationally feasible within the study area.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

To assess the role of breastfeeding in preventing maternal and infant mortality in Paze across Kubwa Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

To determine the influence of exclusive breastfeeding on infant health and survival outcomes – assessing how exclusive breastfeeding impacts immunological and nutritional statuses critical for infant survival (Mallampati et al., 2018 ; Froń & Orczyk-Pawiłowicz, 2024 ).

To examine the maternal benefits associated with breastfeeding – analyzing how breastfeeding improves maternal health outcomes through postpartum recovery and long-term disease prevention (Elbeltagi et al., 2023 ; Carretero-Krug et al., 2024 ).

To evaluate the existing breastfeeding practices and identify associated barriers and facilitators – focusing on how socio-cultural, healthcare, and community factors affect breastfeeding practices in the study area (Seabela et al., 2023 ; Samburu et al., 2021 ).

1.4 Research Questions

What is the relationship between breastfeeding practices and infant mortality rates in Paze, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja?

How does exclusive breastfeeding influence maternal health outcomes in the study area?

What are the key barriers and facilitators affecting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in the study region?

How do community support and healthcare interventions impact overall breastfeeding practices and outcomes for maternal and infant health?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀: There is no significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding practices and infant mortality rates in Paze across Kubwa Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

H₀: There is no significant association between breastfeeding practices and positive maternal health outcomes.

H₀: Community and healthcare support systems do not significantly influence breastfeeding practices in the study area.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is expected to make several vital contributions. First, it will add to the body of knowledge by providing localized evidence on the impact of breastfeeding on maternal and infant mortality in a region that has hitherto been under-researched. The findings are anticipated to inform policymakers and healthcare providers in designing culturally tailored interventions aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding. In doing so, the study could contribute to a reduction in mortality rates and improve the overall health outcomes of both mothers and infants. Moreover, insights on existing barriers and facilitators will help refine public health strategies and community support mechanisms, ensuring that interventions are both effective and sustainable (Gavine et al., 2022 ; Doan et al., 2020 ).

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focuses on the role of breastfeeding as a preventive health measure in reducing maternal and infant mortality within Paze, across the Kubwa and Bwari Area Council, Abuja. While the research aims to capture a comprehensive picture of breastfeeding practices, it is delimited by factors such as the geographical boundaries of the study area and the socio-cultural context that may not be generalizable to all parts of Nigeria. Furthermore, data collection will be confined to primary healthcare facilities and community groups operating in the selected region, which might not reflect practices in rural or extremely urbanized settings outside this locale. Hence, while the study’s findings will provide in-depth insights into the local context, caution must be exercised when extrapolating the results to broader populations.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Breastfeeding: The practice of feeding an infant with breast milk directly from the breast, which may include both exclusive and complementary feeding modalities.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: The process wherein an infant is fed only breast milk (without any additional food, water, or supplements) for the first six months of life.

Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within the postpartum period, largely attributable to complications arising from these conditions.

Infant Mortality: The death of an infant within the first year of life; a critical indicator of a community’s overall health and well-being.

Healthcare Support Systems: The array of services and structures—including hospitals, clinics, and community health programs—that support maternal and child health through interventions, educational programs, and direct care.