Year: 2026 | Month: September | Volume: 13 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 87-95
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260911
Assessment of Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers at Senkatana and Maseru District Hospitals in Lesotho: A Quantitative Study
Ranneileng Mamotsamai1, Thakane Thabisi2
1Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Lesotho
2BSc. Nutrition, National University of Lesotho
Corresponding Author: Ranneileng Mamotsamai (PhD)
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among lactating mothers at Senkatana and Maseru District Hospital in Lesotho.
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out to describe the challenges lactating women face regarding exclusive breastfeeding. The sample was drawn from Senkatana, a HIV/AIDS and cancer clinic, and the Maseru District Hospital in Lesotho. The two places were selected to provide access to both the HIV-positive and HIV- negative mothers to enable an all-inclusive understanding of the challenges faced by lactating mothers. Sixty (60) lactating mothers who were willing to participate in the study were included. Convenience sampling was used to select the sample of lactating mothers who came to the clinics for check-up during the time of the study. A structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions was administered to the participants by the researcher. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel after being checked for accuracy. Results were summarized using tables and graphs. Results revealed that the majority of women had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards breastfeeding and its benefits. However, this gain was offset by challenges preventing successful EBF. These included, (1) demographic and psychosocial variables such as young age, single parenthood, employment issues and family and peer pressure, (2) physiological barriers e.g., milk insufficiency, (3) low self-efficacy and confidence caused by inadequate practical skills for milk expression and (2) poverty leading to lack of milk expression pumps and proper physical storage facilities to keep the expressed milk.
Keywords: Breastfeeding knowledge, Attitude towards exclusive breast feeding, Prevalence of breastfeeding, Challenges to exclusive breastfeeding
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