




































 AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

7 

 

 Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 

                                                          AIJHASS VOL 4 NO 1 (2022) P-ISSN 2643-0061  E-ISSN 2643-010X 
                                                  

                                                                                                                      Available online at www.acseusa.org      

                                                                                                                              Journal homepage: https://www.acseusa.org/journal/index.php/aijhass 
                                                                                                                                      Published by American Center of Science and Education, USA 

COMMUNICATING ATTITUDINAL CHANGE THROUGH 

BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE MEDIA CAMPAIGN: REVIEW  

OF RESPONSES FROM NURSING MOTHERS IN AROCHUKWU, 

SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA 

            
 Samuel Okoronkwo Chukwu-Okoronkwo  (a)1     Victor Kelechukwu Onwuka (b)     

 

(a) Department of Theatre and Media Studies, College of Humanities, Gregory University, Uturu, Nigeria; E-mail: 

s.okoronkwo@gregoryuniversityuturu.edu.ng 
(b) Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; E-mail: donvicks24@gmail.com 
 

 
A R T I C L E I N F O 

 
 

Article History: 
 

Received: 25th October 2022  

Accepted: 21st December 2022 

      Online Publication: 30th December 2022 

 
Keywords: 

Breastfeeding Practice, Infant and 

Maternal Health, Media Campaign, 
Suitable Media Channels 

 
      JEL Classification Codes :  

 

H51, H52, H53, H75 
 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
A B S T R A C T 

 
Studies have clearly shown that there are numerous health benefits accruing from breastfeeding, not 

only to infants but mothers also. However, adherence to breastfeeding practice remains a key challenge 

facing mothers and maternal health providers. The study which adopted survey research approach 

critically examined audience response to media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding in 

Arochukwu community of Abia State, Nigeria to determine the factors that actually militate against its 

practice as an ideal, healthy and accepted norm. Structured questionnaire was the principal instrument 
of data collection. A number of 185 respondents were randomly selected from seven health centers in 

the area, representing the population of the study. The data obtained were analyzed using tables and 

simple percentage calculation and graphs respectively to elucidate on the findings. Findings reveal 

that civilization/new cultural ideas were contributory to the decline in breastfeeding rate in 

Arochukwu. It was also found that there was a huge influence of the effects of social perception and 

lack of education resulting to mothers' neglect of breastfeeding practice in the area. Hence, the study 

concludes that the media and stakeholders in the health sector need to do more to effectively make 
mothers appreciate and appropriate the invaluable benefits of breastfeeding practice. It further 

recommends that conscious efforts should always be made by media campaigners to appropriately 

select and utilize suitable media channels for effective realization of objectives; more so, in the present 

context of addressing this key challenge of non-adherence to breastfeeding practice facing mothers 

generally, and particularly young mothers.  

 
 

© 2022 by the authors. Licensee ACSE, USA. This article is an open access article distributed under 
the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license 
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).  

            

 

INTRODUCTION 

Breastfeeding (BF) has been identified in numerous studies as the optimal way to feed infants (Ibe & 

Nkanginieme, 1990). It no doubt plays a very important role in a child’s growth and development besides contributing 

to the well-being of the mother and the mutual bonding between mother and child. Its rating as the most 

comprehensive nutritional source for infants cannot be overemphasized, due to breast milk’s rich composition 

of essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins among other immunological factors that are necessary for the healthy 

development of the infant in its formative year in life (Ihudiebube-Splendor, Okafor, Anarado, Jisieike-Onuigbo, Chinweuba, 

Nwaneri, Arinze, & Chikeme, 2019). Uwakwe (1996) has highlighted on the significance of breastfeeding as a postnatal 

activity of utmost importance and interest to experts in paediatrics, nursing endocrinology, psychology, as well as 

anthropology; a significance that is no doubt premised on these experts’ consideration of breastfeeding as the bes t 

source of infant nutrition and immunologic protection that also provides very remarkable health benefits to mothers. 

More so, new exciting observations about the bio-chemical, immunological, anti-allergic, emotional and economic 

benefits of breastfeeding have been emerging from across the globe as Lucas and Cole (1990) have noted; thus 

reinforcing not just the high value placed on breastfeeding practice, but also the renewed effort to arouse the 

                                                      
1Corresponding author: ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7371-3568 
© 2022 by the authors. Hosting by ACSE. Peer review under responsibility of ACSE, USA.  

https://doi.org/10.46545/aijhass.v4i1.277 

 
To cite this article: Chukwu-Okoronkwo, S. O., & Onwuka, V. K. (2022). COMMUNICATING ATTITUDINAL CHANGE THROUGH 

BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE MEDIA CAMPAIGN: REVIEW OF RESPONSES FROM NURSING MOTHERS IN AROCHUKWU, SOUTH-EAST 

NIGERIA. American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 4(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.46545/aijhass.v4i1.277 

https://doi.org/10.46545/aijhass.v4i1.277
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7371-3568
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9529-2891


Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

8 
 

consciousness of all nursing mothers to fully embrace it (Alutu, 2000) in order to truly exploit these innumerable 

benefits both in their lives and that of their babies, and families too. Adeyinka, Ajibola, Oyesoji, and Adedeji (2008) have 

noted, citing Green (1999) and Hill et al. (2004), that some of these renewed efforts which are geared toward the promotion 

of improved breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers include: Hospital norms and services, legislation and 

institutional policies, health workers’ training, mass media campaigns, peer counseling and educating mother-to-mother 

support, and a combination of these strategies. (Adeyinka, Ajibola, Oyesoji, & Adedeji, 2008, p.166) 

However, despite the above enumerated efforts and experts’ recommendations, statistics is still indicative of low 

compliance. This development, as Adeyinka et al. (2008) have observed, “is, more pronounced in developing countries” 

(p.165) like Nigeria, including Arochukwu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state, which is the 

focus of this study. This situation, perhaps, may not be entirely disconnected from the worrisome discovery about the high risk 

of nutritional deficiency and growth retardation that occurs in children between 3 and 15 months of age as population 

studies in developing countries have shown (Shrimpton, Victoria, DeOnis, Costa-Lima, Blossner, & Clugston, 2001). 

Communication, therefore, remains a key factor in human development. Hence, the nexus between 

communication and development, and the conscious and effective application of the process of communication 

in achieving development goals, cannot be overemphasised. Development Communication, therefore, as 

Srampickal (2006) has noted, refers to the practice of a systematic application of the processes, strategies and 

principles of communication to achieve positive social change. The emphasis here is on the use of 

communication for the promotion of development in human society, by a systematic way of informing the people 

and creating awareness among them, and in educating and enlightening them as to be able to improve their lives 

in every possible way. This is the exact vision upon which the Breastfeeding Practice Media C ampaign is hinged 

as it essentially places premium on nursing mother who are at the centre of the ‘development in context’ to 

galvanise them to take necessary action. This is because, knowledge is power, and the right information gained through 

communication is certainly the fulcrum upon which this knowledge revolves. This study, therefore, is necessary as a 

proactive effort at improving the dwindling perception of the importance of breastfeeding among nursing mothers in 

Arochukwu community of Abia state, South-East, Nigeria.   

 

Problem Statement/Justification 

There is no gain saying the fact that breastfeeding is ideal, and has proved to be vital in the formative stage of an infant. It 

is also a necessary prerequisite for the immunity and protection of the baby from possible health dangers and diseases. 

While its importance and benefits remain unarguable, a few worrisome questions need to be answered: To what extent 

has nursing mothers, especially in Arochukwu, tapped into these benefits of breastfeeding? How do these mothers view the 

act of breastfeeding their babies against the backdrop of prevailing dwindling perception of the importance of 

breastfeeding among mothers? It was based on the foregoing that the study sought response from mothers in Arochukwu 

on their perception of the media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding practice.  

 

Objectives of the Study 

The broad objective of this study is to determine audience response to media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding 

practice among mothers in Arochukwu. However, the specific objectives include to:  

i. Identify the roles of breastfeeding in the life of infants and mothers.   

ii. Find    answers    to    why   the    importance    attached   to breastfeeding in the time past has now dwindled.  

iii. Identify the factors impinging on mothers' responsibilities to  breastfeeding their babies.  

iv. Ascertain audience response with regards to the importance of Breastfeeding (BF) practice, as well as 

v. Identify the set of media that has mostly enhanced audience’s understanding of the BF message? 

 

LITERATURE REVIEW 

Overview of the Concept of Breastfeeding 

The act of feeding a baby or young child milk from the breast of a lactating woman is known as Breastfeeding. On the part 

of the infant, it is simply to suck milk from the breast of the mother. More so, the basic definition of Breastfeeding divides 

it into two, "the full/exclusive" and "the partial breastfeeding". Full or exclusive breastfeeding means that no other liquid or 

solid is given to the baby, while partial breastfeeding refers to a situation where the baby receives some breastfeeds as well 

as other food or food-based fluids, such as formula milk or weaning foods. The World Health Organisation (2020) has 

described breast milk as the natural first food for babies which provides them all the energy and nutrients they needs for the 

first months of life; and further provides up to half or more of their nutritional needs in the second half of their first year, 

and up to one-third during their second year of life. The child receives breast milk, either directly from the breast or 

expressed. The colostrums which is the initial milk produced in the first few days after delivery provides infants 

with their first immunisation against many bacterial and viral infections (Agho, Dibley, Odiase, & Mgbonmwan, 

2011). The mature breast milk contains anti-infective substances which protect infants against common infections 

particularly diarrhea and respiratory tract infections (Ip, Chung, Raman, Chew, Magula, DeVine, Trikalinos, & 

Lau, 2007). Furthermore, breastfeeding, as Biancuzzo (1999) observes, boosts positive bonding between mother 

and child that cannot be realised through other supplementations. Apart from contributing to the mutual 

bonding between mother and child, breastfeeding is essentially important to their health too. Several 

studies have established breastfeeding’s role in infant mortali ty reduction and risk of obesity, morbidity 

from infection, enhancement of immunity as well as reduction of atopic disease (Nadeem, et al. ,  2017; 

Huffman & Combest, 1990; Lucas & Cole, 1990; Spady & Pabst, 1990; Victoria,  1997). Breastfeeding also 



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

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contributes to mothers’ health in many ways: post-delivery, birth control, reduced risk of postmenopausal 

osteoporosis, pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and auto-immune disease among others (Nadeem, Nadeem, 

Sarwar, & Sarwa, 2017; Chilvers, 1993).  

 

Benefits of Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding, as WHO (2002) rightly observed, is not only an incomparable means of “providing ideal food for the 

healthy growth and development of infants”; but “it is also an integral pa rt of the reproductive process with vital 

implications for the health of the mothers” (p.5). Apart from certain medical conditions that may rule out 

breastfeeding either for the infant or on the part of the mother, its benefits cannot be overemphasized. So me 

of these benefits as UNICEF (2010, p.6) highlights include :  

 

Those accruing to infants 

i. The provision of adequate water for hydration.  

ii. The provision of superior nutrition for optimum growth.  

iii. Protection against infection and reduces overall child mortality. The biggest impact on reducing 

illness relates to diarrhoea, through two mechanisms:  

(a) reduced risk of bacteria from contaminated formula, other liquids and foods, and  

(b) transfer of antibodies through breast milk.  

iv. The reduction of overall neonatal mortality by around 20% (early initiation of breastfeeding).  

v. The promotion of bonding and development.  

vi. Better cognitive development and IQ than in formula -fed children. 

vii. Lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, certain canc ers etc. 

compared with formula-fed infants. 

 

Those accruing to mothers 

i. (Early initiation) helps contract the uterus, expel the placenta and reduce bleeding.  

ii. Helps mothers return more rapidly to their pre -pregnancy weight and a lower body mass index after 

5−6 years. 

iii. Lowers risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  

iv. May delay return of fertility.  

 

Theoretical Framework 
The study was premised on the agenda setting theory of communication as formalized by McCombs and Shaw (1972). 

The theory describes the ability of the media to influence the salience of the topics on the public agenda (Nwosu, 

2006). Hence, if a news item is covered frequently and prominently, the audience will regard the issue as more 

important. Agenda setting theory, in order words, lays emphasis on what the public thinks about as projected by the 

media (Nwogu, 1991; Shaw & McCombs, 1977), in all ramifications. In corroborating the importance of this vital role of 

the media, Chukwu-Okoronkwo, Okugo, Ihechu, and Okoronkwo (2019) stress that they do not only set public's agenda 

by shaping what people view as important, they also identify and define concerns, issues and problems in the society. Since, 

“media campaigns are central to people's ability to acquire knowledge for better health” (Wabwire, Nyambuga , & Yakub, 

2016, p.40), the mass media play a vital role in communication for health and sustainable development by publicizing health 

information through health campaigns. However, in the context of this study, the term ‘media’ is considered from a broad 

communication approach, rather than the compartmentalized; this includes the electronic/broadcast comprising radio and 

television; the print, comprising newspaper, book and poster; and the human media (group and interpersonal) comprising 

antenatal channel; all of which provide relevant information aimed at conscientizing the people on the salient issue of the 

importance of breastfeeding practice. Hence, when these ‘media’ highlight the dwindling perception of the importance of 

breastfeeding among mothers during campaign awareness, they are also shaping and determining the importance for a 

positive and rapid response towards it. This can ultimately set the agenda for a change in attitude and perception of (lactating) 

mothers towards embracing the importance of breastfeeding in our communities, states, nation and the world at large. The 

agenda setting, therefore, reinforces the manifest influence of persistent ‘media’ content upon the pre-conceived 

consciousness of the (target) audience and its consequent response to the ‘issue at stake’.  

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Survey research approach is adopted in this study. Nwogu (1991) describes survey research method as such in which a group 

of people or items are studied by collecting and analyzing data from a few people or items considered as representative 

of the entire group. Nwosu (2006) stresses that survey must depend on samples of respondents and can be 

considered representative of the population. As a  framework created to seek answers to research questions, structured 

questionnaire design is used as the major instrument of data collection. The structured close-ended questions were 

meant to enable respondents give straight forward and precise answers, rather than answering vaguely or inappropriately. 

This is basically targeted to facilitate easy recording, coding and analysis of data. The questionnaire was divided into two 

segments. While the first segment targeted responses on demographic statistics of respondents; the second 

segment sought to generate information geared towards providing answers to the research questions. To ensure an in-

debt study/analysis of audience response to media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding practice among mothers in 

Arochukwu, 220 (lactating) mothers were chosen from seven (7) health centers in Arochukwu community, representing 



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

10 
 

the population of the study. These centers include: (i.) Arochukwu General Hospital [Ibom-Barracks] ii.) Health 

Department of Arochukwu LGA secretariat [Agbagwu] (iii.) Ibom Health Center [Ibom] (iv.) Obinkita Health Center 

[Obinkila] (v.) Atani Health Center [Atani] (vi.) Amuyi Health Center [Amuvi], and (vii.) Health unit of Abia State 

College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (A.S.C.E.T.A) [Amannagwu]. The choice of these health centers as focal 

points in the study borders on accessibility of the target audience (nursing mothers); since they usually frequent the centers 

for their various prenatal and postnatal/postpartum medical attentions/check-ups. Out of a total number of 220 

questionnaires distributed, 185 responses were duly and adequately returned. A breakdown of the population shows 

that 26 mothers were chosen from each of the six health centers, while 29 mothers were chosen from Arochukwu General 

Hospital (Ibom-barracks). 

RESULTS 

Demographic Data 

Table 1. Demographic Data of Respondents  

 
S/N Variables Respondents Frequency (F) Percentage (%) 

1. Marital Status Married 158 85 

  Single 25 14 

  Unspecified 02 01 

  TOTAL 185 100 

2. Age  Below 18 02 01 

  19-24 14 8 

  25-31   24 13 

  32-38 63 34 

  39-44  50 27 

  45 & above 30 16 

  Unspecified 02   01 

  TOTAL 185 100 

3. Occupation Civil servant 118 64 

  Student 04 02 

  Trading/business 49  26 

  Unemployed 12 07 

  Unspecified 02  01 

  TOTAL 185 100 

4. Education Primary 05 03 

 
  Secondary                   . 43 23 

  Diploma/NCE 72 39 

  BA/BSC/HND 52 28 

  MSC/MA/PhD 07 04 

  Non-formal 04 02 

  Unspecified 02 01 

  TOTAL 185 100 

 

The data in table 1 above on marital status shows that a majority of 158 respondents representing 85% of the 

population study are married; while 25 respondents representing 14% are single mothers. The remaining 2 respondents 

representing 1% are mothers that did not indicate their marital status. Therefore, it is evident from this result that the 

dominant respondents in this study are married.  

On age distribution, data reveals that closely related number of 63 and 50 mothers representing 34% and 27% of 

the population study are within the age range of 32 – 38 and 39 – 44 years respectively; indicating, therefore, that the 

dominant age bracket of the research respondents are young mothers, which confirms the views of the EBF school of thought, 

La Leche League International (LLL), the oldest and largest breastfeeding support group in the world (Federico, 2017), that 

young mothers are the most dominant caregivers in the world. Unarguably, these groups of mothers have significant influence 

to the outcome of this study. Other significant age groups worthy of consideration as shown in the result are mothers 

within the age range of 45 years and above (these are 30 in number representing 16% of the population study) and those 

within 25 – 31years (these are 24 in number representing 13% of the population study). While the later shows a group of 

very young mothers, the former shows a group of mothers with the needed experience for child or infant breastfeeding 

and upbringing. A number of 14 respondents representing 8% of the population study and 19 – 24 years age bracket make 

up the age group of mothers with little or no experience of motherhood; and all this has so much implication for the study.  

The occupational distribution of respondents shows that a dominant number of 118 respondents 

representing 64% of the population study are in the civil service; while 49 respondents representing approximately 

26% of the population study are into trading. This clearly shows that majority of them are engaged in meaningful 



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

11 
 

activities that would enable them foster for the well-being of their infants and family at large. On the other hand, 12 

respondents representing approximately 7% of the population study are jobless and can be regarded as full house wives 

who depend on their husbands for the provision of child and family needs. Only 4 respondents representing 2% of the 

population study are students, while the remaining 2 respondents representing 1% percent of the population study did 

not indicate their occupational status.  

On educational qualification, the result shows that a number of 72 respondents representing 39% of the 

population study possess either a diploma or NCE educational certificate; while 43 respondents representing 23% possess 

only secondary school certificate. 52 respondents representing 28% of the population study are mothers who possess a 

BA, BSC or HND certificate. 5 and 7 respondents representing 3% and 4% of the population study respectively have 

primary school and MSC/MA/PhD certificates respectively. 4 respondents representing 2% of the population study are 

mothers who acquired non-formal education. 2 respondents representing 1% of the population study are mothers who 

did not indicate their educational qualification. From the above table, it is apparent that almost 90% of the mothers have 

obtained at least one level of educational qualification or the other. This makes it easier to assume that they would be 

rationale or able to show a level of reasoning with regard to child breastfeeding practices. It therefore implies that the 

respondents only lack the necessary enlightenment since they have the capacity to read, write and listen to messages on 

issues regarding BF practice. This finding, however, does not agree with the views of Ogbonna, Okolo, and Ezeogu 

(2000) who opined that lack of education is a major factor contributory to low rate of EBF practice. 

 

DISCUSSIONS 

 

Response to Research Questions  

 

 
 

The first research question raised the issue of the importance of breastfeeding to the infant. The result as shown in 

Figure 1 above reveals that an overwhelming 95% of the population study representing a total number of 176 respondents 

affirmed that breastfeeding is the ideal or main source of food for infants; while an infinitesimal 3% representing 6 

respondents disagreed. The other 2% representing 3 respondents did not indicate their answer to the question at all. 

Analysis of the result clearly reveals that majority of respondents were in affirmation that breast milk is very much ideal 

for all infants, as rightly postulated by WHO (2002) and UN1CEF (2010). 

 

 
 

Similarly, Figure 2 above shows that an overwhelming 86% of the population study representing a total number of 

160 respondents affirmed that breastfeeding is as good to mothers as it is to their babies; while an insignificant 10% representing 

a number of 18 respondents disagreed to/with this. The other 4% representing a number of 7 respondents were rather uncertain, 

95%

3%2%

Figure 1. RQ1: Do you think that

breastfeeding is the ideal or main source

of food for infants?

Yes No Uncertain/Unspecified

86%

10% 4%

Figure 2. RQ2: Do you think that

breastfeeding is as good to the mother as

it is to the infant?

Yes



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

12 
 

and therefore, did not answer the question. This result goes a long way to confirm that as long as mother and child are 

concerned, breastfeeding has two-fold benefit; it is as good to the mother as it is to the child which corroborates the 

submissions of UNICEF (2010) and WHO (2002). 

 

 
 

The result in Figure 3 above also shows that a majority 57% of the population study representing a total 

number 106 respondents affirmed that civilisation or new cultural ideas has taken a great toll on breastfeeding 

reduction rate; while the other 43% representing a number of 79 respondents were in opposition to the views of former. It 

is only obvious from the above statistics that majority of the mothers believe that civilisation or new cultural ideas has 

actually reduced breastfeeding rate among mothers in Arochukwu which also agrees with the postulation of 

Ogbonna, et al. (2000) that cultural factors actually militate against breastfeeding rate.  

 

 
 

The result shown in Figure 4 above indicates that a dominant 57% of the population study representing a total 

number of 106 respondents agreed that the effect of social perceptions and lack of education has actually caused many 

women in Arochukwu to neglect breastfeeding practice. However, 34% of the population representing a number of 63 

respondents disagreed with the former’s view; while the other 9% representing a number of 16 respondents were rather 

irresolute about the answer. From the above result analysis, it is only clear that majority of the mothers subscribe to 

the influence of social perception and lack of education as constituting the reasons why women neglect breastfeeding practice, 

as highlighted by Andrea, Jaziel and Kelsie (2020) regarding breastfeeding trends, influences, and perceptions.  

 

       
 

The result in Figure 5 above shows that an overwhelming 97% of the population study representing a total 

number of 180 respondents agreed that the media campaign contributed to their clear perception of the importance of 

57%

43%

Figure 3. RQ3: Do you think that

civilization/new cultural ideas has reduced

breastfeeding rate?

Yes

57%
34%

9%

Figure 4. RQ4: Do you think that the effect

of social perceptions and lack of education

has caused many women to neglect BF

practice?

Yes

97%

2% 1%

Figure 5. RQ5: Has the media campaign in

any way contributed to your clear

perception of the importance of

breastfeeding practice?

Yes



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

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breastfeeding practice. On the other hand, an infinitesimal 2% representing a number of 4 respondents disagreed; while 

the other 1% representing one (1) respondent was rather uncertain. This finding is in tandem with the assertion of 

Wabwire, et al. (2016, p.40) that “media campaigns are central to people's ability to acquire knowledge for better health” 

and also reinforces the belief of the researchers that the media, indeed, have vital role to play in the campaign on the 

importance of breastfeeding practice.  

 

 
 

Figure 6 above shows that an overwhelming number of 127 respondents representing 69% of the population 

study affirmed that antenatal and poster media enhanced their comprehension of the breastfeeding message. This is 

followed by a less comparative 28 respondents representing 15% who chose television and another of 24 respondents 

representing 13% who chose radio respectively as having enhanced their understanding of the breastfeeding message; while 

for the other 6 respondents representing 3% of the population, their enhancement of the breastfeeding message came from a 

combination of the newspaper, magazine or books they have read. The result ultimately shows that mothers and pregnant 

women in Arochukwu get clearer and wider understanding of the breastfeeding practice message mostly through  

antenatal as well as from illustrative posters that are also usually translated from English to the indigenous language of 

the people. More so, it was also understood from further interaction with the study participants that the 

group/interpersonal communication platform of the antenatal channel and its interactive nature which facilitated instant 

feedback from instructors, as well as the accompanying“moral support”, is what gave it so much edge over the other 

communication channels. This position is supported by Piro and Ahmed (2020), who affirm that literature supports 

positive effectiveness of antenatal education on increasing breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) which refers to a mother’s 

confidence in her capability to breastfeed her infant (Dennis, 1999). Hence, the overwhelming response in favour of the 

antenatal and poster media as having enhanced their comprehension of the breastfeeding message is not surprising.  

 
CONCLUSIONS 

The study, which reviewed audience response to media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding practice among mothers 

in Arochukwu, also reinforces the importance of the interrelationship between communication and development, and the fact 

that the process of communication can be effectively applied to achieve development purpose through a systematic way of 

informing and creating awareness among the people, and in educating and enlightening them. Effort was also made to highlight 

the vital role of breastfeeding in the formative years of infants’ life as well as its benefit to mothers, amidst the rather worrisome 

trend of its prevailing neglect among most nursing mothers, despite these accruing benefits. Major findings reveal that there is 

a connection between the influence of social perceptions and lack of proper awareness as part of the reasons why women in 

Arochukwu neglect breastfeeding practice. The study shows that the media remain ‘a vital force’ in the campaign for 

breastfeeding practice, and concludes that with adequate media campaign strategy, lactating mothers (including 

prospective ones) can demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding practice. The study, 

therefore, provides evidence that may be useful for media houses, parents, voluntary agencies and various stakeholders in 

the health sector as well as policy makers to harness the aroused consciousness of the need for concerted effort in 

addressing this key challenge of non-adherence to breastfeeding practice facing mothers generally; and young mothers 

in particular. 

 

Recommendations 

Based on the findings of this study, the researchers advance the following recommendations:   

 Efforts should always be made by media campaigners to appropriately select and utilise suitable media channels, 

including antenatal, for effective realization of objectives.  

 Mass media campaigns to promote breastfeeding practice may be more effective if they are linked with counseling by 

health providers. 

 Policies aimed at improving breastfeeding uptake and practice should also incorporate significant others 

(grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and husbands) in the process to encourage breastfeeding mothers. 

 There should be involvement of influential household members and others who act as gatekeepers of cultural beliefs. 

 There is need also for the mobilization/incorporation of community leaders as change agents by health authorities 

in the campaign for the promotion of breastfeeding practice. 

 

 

13%

15%

69%

3%

Figure 6. RQ6: Which of   this   set   of   

media    has   mostly    enhanced   your   

understanding of the BF message?

Radio



Chukwu-Okoronkwom & Onwuka, American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4(1) (2022), 7-15 

  

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Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Data Curation, V.K.O.; Methodology, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Validation, S.O.C.; 

Visualization, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Formal Analysis, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Investigation, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Resources, S.O.C. and V.K.O.; Writing – 

Original Draft Preparation, V.K.O.; Writing – Review & Editing, S.O.C.; Supervision, S.O.C.; Software, S.O.C.; Project Administration, S.O.C.; Funding 

Acquisition, S.O.C. Authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
Institutional Review Board Statement: Ethical review and approval were waived for this study, due to the fact that the research does not deal with 

vulnerable groups or sensitive issues.  

Funding: The authors received no direct funding for this research.  
Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the assistance provided by staffers in the seven chosen health centers in Arochukwu community of 

Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, Nigeria where the study was conducted. Their assistance and the contributions of the study participants towards the overall 

success of the study are highly appreciated.  
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.  

Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available 

due to restrictions.  
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.  

 

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