Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice has remained a challenge globally despite its numerous potential health and economic benefits for both the mother and child. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study determined the output of significant others in the promotion and sustenance of exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers in Imo State, Nigeria. Purposive multistage sampling was adopted to select the participants, who were 200 pregnant/nursing mothers and 200 significant others selected in 10 primary health care centres in Imo State. 100 significant others and 100 pregnant/nursing mothers were in each arm of the study and control group. The target population was significant others but the outcome of the intervention was assessed on the nursing mothers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, the significance was tested using chi-square (ꭓ(2)), logistic regression and odds ratio were at p-value of 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The Results of the study revealed that on the sociodemographic variables of pregnant/ nursing mothers, the average age ± standard deviation is 25.8 ± 4.2 (control group: 26. ± 4.2; intervention group: 25.6 ± 4.2). Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding by significant others had strong significant associations among the intervention against control group; (P = < 0.000, x(2)=48.57, d.f. =2), initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth (control=37.4%, 58.6% and 4% initiated 1-3 and 4-6 h after birth respectively; intervention = (85.7%) initiated within one hour, 13.3% and 1% respectively initiated 1-3 and 4-6 h after birth ). skin to skin contact (SSC) 92.9% & 46.5%; feeding of colostrums 95(96.9%) & 89(89.9% ) (P = 0.047, x(2) =3.96, d.f = 1; OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.048-1.15), rooming in (98.9%) & (72.7%), no water/infant formula/medicinal herb till after six months 85(86.7%) & 7(7.1%) respectively for both intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that significant others are key stakeholders in matters concerning infant nutrition and feeding choices, including exclusive breastfeeding practice. It is therefore recommended that significant others are used as facilitators in programs concerning infant nutrition and maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa.