International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Despite increasing awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, many mothers continue to encounter challenges that may affect their ability to maintain recommended infant-feeding practices. These challenges arise from individual perceptions, socio-cultural expectations, economic circumstances, and other contextual influences. Understanding these perceived barriers is essential for developing effective breastfeeding support strategies. This study aimed to assess perceived social, economic, and contextual factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending a child welfare clinic in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected in 2019 at Uasin Gishu County Hospital, Kenya. Of the 40 questionnaires distributed to mothers attending the clinic, 30 were completed and analyzed, yielding a response rate of 75.0%. The original study also included interviews with eight healthcare providers. Responses concerning five potential influences on exclusive breastfeeding were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that maternal age was the most frequently endorsed factor (66.7%), followed by maternal perceptions (63.3%), socio-cultural influences (56.7%), HIV-status disclosure (53.3%), and economic circumstances (50.0%). These findings indicate that mothers perceived various personal, social, and economic factors as potentially influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices. However, the study assessed perceived influences rather than statistically established determinants of breastfeeding behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of addressing mothers' perceived challenges through individualized breastfeeding counselling, family involvement, and community-based maternal health education. Further research involving larger samples, validated assessment tools, and direct measurement of breastfeeding practices is recommended to establish the relationships between these perceived factors and exclusive breastfeeding outcomes.