Hand washing knowledge attitudes and practices of breastfeeding mothers of Karangura sub county Kabarole district

Abstract

Poor hand washing among breastfeeding mothers is one of the underlying factors that lead to spread of communicable diseases to their breastfeeding children, as most of these children are hardly able to do anything on their own but eagerly receive whatever comes from their mothers. Hand washing is a very important public health tool in disease control. The study assessed hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practice among breastfeeding mothers with a view to recommending ways of enhancing the practice in rural communities. Objective: This study assessed hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practices of breastfeeding mothers to contribute towards reducing childhood diarrhea and communicable diseases in Karangura Sub County, Kabarole district. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. A total sample size of 356 breastfeeding mothers participated in the survey. The quantitative data was analyzed using Epi data while qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. The questionnaires were pretested to 10 mothers of Mugusu Sub County a separate sub county from the proposed study area in Kabarole district to rightly identify their suitability in the field. Results: A total of 356 breastfeeding mothers participated in the study. It was found out that 149(41.9%) of the mothers attained a primary level of education, and average age of 25.5years. Majority 158 (44.38%) were Bakonzo by tribe. Majority of the respondent were peasants 266(74.7%). Most of the respondents were married 227(63.8%) On average, the breastfeeding mothers interviewed lived with less than five members in the household as well most breastfeeding mothers earned less than one hundred thousand shillings a month. From this study, 333 (93.5%) mothers affirmed that unwashed hands transmit germs. Over 74.7% knew clean water and soap are the major requirement for hand washing. Up to 317(89.04%) agreed that they wash hands after visiting latrine however 89(25.0%) washed hands before feeding and breastfeeding. Conclusion: From this study, breastfeeding mothers in the study area have sufficient knowledge and attitudes but the hand washing practice is still low so need to improve on hand washing practices.