Use the "back" button of your browser to return to the list of abstracts.
FATHER’S INFLUENCE ON WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE ROLE OF EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING ( EBF) [Abstract ID: 1101-03]
Failure to include fathers in infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) behavior change interventions has shown negative result on the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and challenges gender equality (Abrea, M. et al, 2017). The research on fathers’ infant and young child feeding practices and their determinants in Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray regions confirms that while men do have a general awareness of the importance of breastfeeding, few appear to have a deeper and specific understanding of the importance of breastfeeding on their infants’ development and mother’s health (Setegn, et al. 2012). This study therefore attempts to examines factors that affect fathers’ involvement in Exclusive Beast Feeding ( EBF) and its impact on women’s reproductive right and productive work. In doing so it offers an understanding of what influence Exclusive Breast Feeding and the reproductive right of mothers and its impact on their productive activity. For the sake of achieving its objective the study is conducted in Menagesha Woreda, located 15 km west of Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The research followed a purposive sampling technique to select the Woreda, as it is very close to Addis Ababa but located in Oromia region and also serves as a place for many flower farms, where most rural women get job opportunities. The study used a qualitative research method, where in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were taken as the major data collection method. A total of 30 key informants and 2 FGD participants who were selected purposely participated in the in-depth interview and FGD. Key informants from health sector and flower farms were also part of the data source. Finding showed that there is very low understanding of the concept and application of EBF among mother and father informants. However, the study identified that there is a positive impact on duration of breast feeding when fathers show emotional and financial support. Though the need for fathers support is recognized by study participants, the existence of traditional gender division of labor (men seen only as guardians or the provider of the family), lack of attention towards men’s role in EBF by health centers negatively impacted men to be change agents. In addition to this lack of EBF friendly facilities in work places, lack of legal protection and job security were also found as barriers for working women from enjoying their reproductive right of EBF, parallel to mainlining their productive work. These results suggest that men focused intervention by health centers and media, and also women’s reproductive right based adjustment in work areas may help to change the existing low rate of EBF practice and allow women to enjoy their reproductive right parallel to their productive work.