Use of Interpersonal Communication Networks In Influencing Exclusive Breast-Feeding In Korogocho Informal Settlement

Abstract

This study sought to explore the use of interpersonal communication networks in influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers in Korogocho informal settlement. The study was guided by the following objectives: to explore the relationship between interpersonal communication networks and EBF among women in Korogocho informal settlement, to explore factors that led breastfeeding mothers in Korogocho slums into interpersonal communication networks, to explore the challenges affecting the influence of interpersonal communication networks on EBF among mothers in Korogocho informal settlement, and to determine the interpersonal communication network mostly used by breastfeeding mothers in Korogocho informal settlement. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 100 mothers living in Korogocho Slum and attending Korogocho Health Centre. The study used a descriptive research design and collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Questionnaire and interview guide were the data collection instruments used by the study. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, and median were used in the analysis of data with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. The study revealed that interpersonal communication networks influenced EBF, that mothers joined interpersonal networks in order to be enlightened on EBF, and that the most used networks were the health officers and community health workers. The study’s recommendations included the need to empower and train family and friends in order to create a formal communication network, and the need to empower and train more Community health workers so that they can reach the mothers who do not often attend health clinics.