An evaluation of the educational programme of Breastfeeding Information Group (BIG) in Nairobi

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to compare the knowledge. attitudes. ,and practices of mothers and health workers exposed to the educational programme of the Breastfeeding Information Group (BIG) with those who have not been exposed to the programme. In addition. the knowledge. attitudes and practices of BIG counselors and members of the executive committee were also assesed with respect to their knowledge and practices of breastfeeding and weaning. The knowledge. attitude and practice (i(AP ;0 study took place in Maternal and Child Health Clinics (MCHC) in Nairobi, between January and June 1987. A sample of 150 randomly selected B i Exposed mothers was compared with a similar sample of randomly selected NON-BIG Exposed rno t her· s . Similarly a sample of 24 randomly selected B1GExposed Health Workers was compared with a s l m I lar number of NON-BIG Exposed health workers. in addition, 12 BIG volunteers and 6 counsellors were included in the study. Thus a total of 366 interviews were conducted for the study. The higher in BIG-exposed study sample scored the knowledge test than the Non-BIG exposed controls. - The initiation of breastfeeding was largely universal among the entire study sample. The duration of breastfeeding of the youngest child however, was longer among mothers not exposed to the BIG educational programme. than among mothers exposed to it. The onset of weaning the youngest child of both groups of mothers was significantly different between the two groups. The Non-BIG exposed mothers introduced supplementary foods earlier than the BIG-exposed mothers. Questioned on the main message delivered in BiG's promotional visual aid (poster) designed to promote and encourage breastfeeding. the majority of respondents identified it to be: " to breastfeed" .