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Perceived Effects of Peer Counseling on Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers Attending Child Welfare Clinic in Two Selected Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors
Ogundare, Temilade Tunrola (MSc Community Health Nursing)1,
Salami, Ramota Ajoke (MSc Maternal and Child Health Nursing)2,
Oluseye, Olabisi Mary (MSc Community Health Nursing)3,
Adeniyi, Oluwaseyi Esther (MSc Community Health Nursing)1,
Atekoja, Oluwabusolami Esther (PhD Community Health Nursing)1,
Orji-Okafor, Urenna (MSc Maternal and Child Health Nursing)4
Corresponding Author
Ogundare, Temilade Tunrola (MSc Community Health Nursing)
Department of Nursing, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
ogundare.temilade@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5854-5895; +2347038921352
ONLINE ISSN: 2645-2936
PRINT ISSN: 0795 – 6541
Editor-in-chief
Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma O. Ehiemere
University of Nigeria
Editorial Secretary
Dr. Goodluck I. Nshi
Aspen University, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Assistant Editorial Secretary
Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Institutional Affiliation(s)
1. Department of Nursing, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria
2. Department of Midwifery, Lagos State College of Nursing, Nigeria
3. Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
4. Department of Midwifery, Lagos State College of Nursing, Nigeria
Citation
Ogundare, T.T., Salami, R.A., Oluseye, O.M., Adeniyi, O.E., Atekoja, O.E., & Orji-Okafor, U. (2025). Perceived effects of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers attending child welfare clinic in two selected hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. The Nursing Scope, 8(3), 1-13. ISSN: 2645-2936 (Online); 0795 – 6541 (Print). https://doi.org/10.59073/thenursingscope83/1-13
Keywords
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months is essential for infant health, yet its adoption remains low, especially in low-income countries due to environmental and cultural factors.
Objective: The study assessed the perceived effects of peer counseling on EBF among nursing mothers attending child welfare clinics in Isolo and Alimosho General Hospitals, Lagos State. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and a well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 220 nursing mothers. The gathered data was displayed using frequency tables, and the corresponding values were represented in percentages. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-square test at a 0.05 level of significance.
Result: The study found that 61% mothers were aware of the concept of exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, 38% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, while 62% introduced other liquids or solids within the first six months. Among mothers who received peer counseling, 57% reported improved awareness and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, 76% reported increased self-efficacy, and 35% reported overcoming barriers. Chi-square tests revealed significant relationship between the selected sociodemographic variables (marital status, education, occupation and religion) and perceived effects of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding (p=.001, x2 = 89.242, df = 3). Also, there is a significant difference between the perceived effect of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding among respondents and their actual practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Peer counseling significantly contributes to improving mothers' knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
Recommendation: Based on the findings, it is recommended that peer counseling programs be strengthened and integrated into routine maternal and child health services to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Special attention should be given to mothers with lower education and limited access to antenatal care through targeted, culturally sensitive interventions.