Adeola Iyanuoluwa OLAOYE2024-06-252024-06-252023-12Kate TurabianMPHhttps://repository.lcu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/618The low uptake of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has remained a major factor in high mortality and morbidity rate among under-5 children in Nigeria. Increased female participation in the labour sector has been linked to the sub-optimal rate of the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Understanding the knowledge and intention to practice exclusive breastfeeding is important in designing policies towards achieving sustainable developmental goals two and three. This study assessed the knowledge, intention and practice of excusive breastfeeding among employed mothers in private organization in Ibadan. A cross-sectional study was done among 250 working nursing mothers selected by purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using adapted self-administered questionnaire. Frequency, proportion, chi-square and logistic regressions were used in achieving the objectives of this study, using SPSS ver. 21. A P-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Majority (42.8%) of the respondents were between the ages of 30-34 years while 26.4% were >34 years. Majority (74.5%) of the respondents had good knowledge of EBF. Almost 79% had EBF intention but only 51.2% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. Women aged <30 years were 2.05 times less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those aged >34 years (AOR= 0.61 95% CI 0.26-1.41). Factors such as short maternity leave, unfriendly work environment, lack of social support for the nursing mothers and lack of lactation of the nursing mother were found to be associated with actual practice of EBF in this study. Gap exists between intention to practice EBF and actual practice due to short maternity leave, unfriendly work environment and lack of partner support. Strategies to bridge this gap are urgently needed to promote mother-child health. Keywords: Knowledge, Intention, Practice, Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Word Count: 269enKnowledgeIntentionPracticeBreastfeedingExclusive Breastfeeding (EBF)Thesis