Browsing by Author "Stella Asayo"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Breastfeeding Practices and Experiences Among Working Mothers: A Case Study of Primary School Teachers and Nurses in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality
    (2024-04-11) Stella Asayo
    Introduction: Public health specialists recognize that breastfeeding is an unmatched way of providing ultimate food for the healthy growth and development of infants. In fact, it is recognized as an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of both the infant and the mothers. To this, global world health experts recommend that all newborns should be exclusively fed on breast milk without any additional food or drink for up to six months. Methods: This was purely qualitative research that adopted a case study research design with the aim of finding out the experiences of mothers in formal employment practicing breastfeeding and how work influences breastfeeding among formally employed mothers in Goma Division-Mukono Municipality. Findings: The study findings revealed that mothers in formal employment experience heavy work load, tight work schedules, very minimal institutional support towards practicing breastfeeding; as such most of breastfeeding mothers ended up failing in principles to successfully achieve the goal of breastfeeding their infants. Results: The researcher recommends government to consider extending the maternity leave duration from the current 3 months to 6 months with flexible working hours to breastfeeding mothers to allow them sufficient time to breastfeed, and the government should make regular follow ups with all intuitions to ensure that they implement the maternity leave policy to breastfeeding mothers. Key works: Breastfeeding, work experience, maternal leave, institutional support
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Breastfeeding Practices and Experiences Among Working Mothers: A Case Study of Teachers and Nurses in Uganda
    (Chritian Journal for Global Health, 2025-11) Emmanuel Otieno; Stella Asayo; Teopista Agutu; Josephine Namyalo
    Background: Uganda’s exclusive breastfeeding rate remains high at 94%, despite significant malnutrition rates with nearly 1 in 4 children under 5 suffering from stunting. Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. This study aimed to investigate breastfeeding practices and experiences of primary school teachers and nurses in Uganda. Methods: This qualitative study employed a case study design to collect data from 50 respondents — primary school teachers and nurses working in Mukono Municipality between October 2023 and February 2024. All breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0-6 months were included. In-depth and key informant interviews were done to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Breast feeding primary school teachers and nurses indicated experiencing heavy workloads, tight work schedules, and minimal institutional support towards practicing breastfeeding. As such, most breastfeeding mothers did not successfully achieve the goal of breastfeeding their infants exclusively. Conclusion: In order to improve infant health outcomes in Uganda, it is essential to address the barriers that hinder exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. This can be achieved through policy occupational health interventions that protect breastfeeding and promote inclusivity and work life balance for mothers.