DETERMINANTS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE AMONGST FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF RIVERS STATE

TOPIC: DETERMINANTS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE AMONGST FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF RIVERS STATE

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1. Department of Nursing Science
2. Department of Public Health
3. Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
4. Department of Community Health Science
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 
This study was carried out to examine the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice amongst female police officers in selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The study was specifically carried out to assess the influence of maternal knowledge on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, assess workplace support and maternity leave policy as determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among female police officers in Rivers State, assess the influence of job demands and work schedule on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, and assess the influence of family and spousal support on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State. The study employed the mixed research design involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population of the study comprised 126 nursing female police officers serving in Port Harcourt, Oyigbo, and Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State. A validated sample size of 91 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive, proportional, and simple random sampling methods. The instruments used for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a Focus Group Discussion guide. The data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, thematic content analysis, and Pearson Chi-square statistical tool with the aid of SPSS. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that maternal knowledge has a significant influence on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State at r = 0.462, t = 4.91, p = 0.003. The study also showed that workplace support and maternity leave policy have a significant influence on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding at r = 0.417, t = 4.31, p = 0.006. Likewise, the findings revealed that job demands and work schedule have a significant influence on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding at r = 0.389, t = 3.96, p = 0.009. Furthermore, family and spousal support were found to have a significant influence on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding at r = 0.451, t = 4.73, p = 0.004. The study therefore recommends that police authorities should strengthen breastfeeding support policies, provide breastfeeding-friendly facilities, improve maternity leave provisions, and promote continuous breastfeeding education among female police officers. 
Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Maternal Knowledge, Workplace Support, Maternity Leave Policy, Job Demands, Family Support, Female Police Officers.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
A nutritional value of a human being is critical in maintenance of life, growth and prolonged good health at every developmental stage. Breastfeeding is the most basic form of nutrition continuing to be the focus of this continuum of care. The practice of breastfeeding has been highly esteemed across civilizations as a biological process, as well as there being social and cultural aspects, which were deeply rooted in the traditions of maternal and child health (Tilahun et al., 2023). The significance of early infant feeding practices in the future well-being of a lifetime, including the physical and cognitive development thereof, is emphasized (Rahman et al., 2020). Therefore, the debate on the infant feeding habit and especially exclusive breastfeeding goes beyond the maternal preferences to the global health concerns with the aim of lowering infant morbidity and mortality.
Breastfeeding according to the world health definition refers to the process of feeding a baby using breast milk directly taken straight out of the breast of the mother (Mazengia & Demissie, 2020). Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the act of providing breast milk to infants during the first half of the first six months of life, but no other food or drink, including water (Fatimah, 2022). The practice has unmatched nutritional and immunological benefits, which offer an optimal growth and development of the infant and improves the maternal health. The importance of EBF is that this method of forming a close connection between a mother and a child in the early years of life and the provision of natural defense against infections and chronic diseases (Dukuzumuremyi et al., 2020). EBF has become a pillar of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on child survival and maternal well-being in the world.
The factors which determine exclusive breastfeeding are complex, and include socio-demographic, cultural, psychological, and occupational ones. The level and duration of breastfeeding patterns have been found to be affected by maternal education, income, workplace reinforcements, and norms of the community (Sabo et al., 2023). The occupational involvement of women, especially in high level professions, can influence their capacity to establish and continue with the only breast feeding. The recent increase in the number of women in the formal workforce highlights the necessity to learn about the interaction of professional duties with maternal ones (Rahman et al., 2020). Beyene et al. (2025) acknowledge that the workplace and the presence or absence of maternity leave and support systems in the institution are key facilitators or obstacles to the practice of EBF. Therefore, the discussion of these determinants provides the understanding of the multiple relationship between career demands and maternal health behavior.
The role of women in the Nigerian labor force has greatly increased, with more women being represented in the security and law enforcement divisions. Police women especially, deal with occupational requirements that are unique and include; irregular working hours, physical work, and childcare facilities among others (Okwesa et al., 2025). These situational realities influence their maternal health behavior such as breastfeeding. In Rivers State, where women in police constitute a component of the security machinery, it is important to know the factors that define the exclusive breastfeeding so that interventions can be designed to support them. According to Fatimah (2022), the breastfeeding outcomes largely depend on the maternal employment conditions. Hence, the study of exclusive breastfeeding among the female police officers in Rivers state gives a significant insight into how occupation structures determine the maternal and child health practices in contemporary Nigeria.

1.2   Statement of the Problem
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a practice that has long been recognized to be one of the primary strategies of providing optimal infant health and decrease the neonatal mortality in all the nations. Although the importance of EBF as a critical factor in determining the survival rate in early childhood is recognized internationally, there is still an uneven rate of adherence to it among the populations and occupational categories (Tilahun et al., 2023). The World Health Organization is encouraging breastfeeding to take place exclusively during the first six months of life to attain great health results to both the mother and the child (Mazengia & Demissie, 2020). Nevertheless, with women being more active in formal areas of employment, such as law enforcement, the roles of professional activities tend to overlap with the responsibilities of motherhood, which poses distinctive complexities, which can be empirically researched (Rahman et al., 2020). It is against this backdrop that the determinants of EBF in female police officers in Rivers state are a relevant topic of scholarly interest.
Despite universal support on breastfeeding, there are indications that there are occupational and environmental issues that have a critical impact on the capacity of mothers to practice EBF (Beyene et al., 2025). Female employees working in organized workplaces, including the police force, in Nigeria, are often subjected to rigid working schedules and poor maternity leave, which can be counterproductive to observe the advised feeding routines (Fatimah, 2022). The best scenario would be whereby all nursing mothers with or without occupation have the enabling environment and supportive work policies to support sustained EBF. The existing situation, however, indicates the difference in the workplace support and awareness of maternal health and results in low-quality breastfeeding among working mothers (Sabo et al., 2023). This policy desire and reality gaps on maternal practice imply that there is an urgent need to know the determinants behind such discrepancies in particular occupational groups such as policing.
A number of studies have examined factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding, but few have sufficiently addressed women in uniformed occupations, whose work situations are distinct to those in non-uniform jobs (Dukuzumuremyi et al., 2020). As an example, the majority of studies in the African context have focused on health workers, teachers, and traders, and there has been a substantial gap in the female police officers, who work under the regimented schedules and organization (Tilahun et al., 2023). Moreover, the literature at hand is more inclined to generalize women experiences without breaking down the results by the employment type or working conditions (Rahman et al., 2020). This contextual gap restricts the emergence of specific interventions that can tackle the special obstacles that women have in law enforcement. This research therefore aims at filling these gaps by investigating the factors that dictate the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among the female police officers in Rivers State.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The study's overall purpose is to assess the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice amongst female police officers in selected Local Government Areas Of Rivers State. The study, on the other hand, was focused on achieving following specific objectives;
1.To assess the influence of maternal knowledge on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding practices among female police officers in Rivers State.
2.To assess workplace support and maternity leave policy as a determinant of exclusive breastfeeding practices among female police officers in Rivers State.
3.To assess the influence of job demands and work schedule on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding practices among female police officers in Rivers State.
4.To assess the influence of family and spousal support on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions: 
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of exclusive breastfeeding, the concept of breastfeeding practices, prevalence and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding, factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers, and the challenges associated with exclusive breastfeeding etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design combining quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises nursing female police officers stationed in Port Harcourt, Oyigbo, and Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 106 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive, proportional, convenience, and random sampling methods to select the respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide as instruments for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Setting
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Instruments For Data Collection
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8 Pilot Study
3.9 Method of Data Collection
3.10 Method Of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical considerations

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that maternal knowledge has a significant influence on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, as evidenced by the respondents’ high level of awareness of exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.462, t-value of 4.91, and p-value of 0.003 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. 

ii. The study found that workplace support and maternity leave policies significantly influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, as evidenced by the responses indicating that supportive supervisors, flexible working hours, and breastfeeding facilities promote breastfeeding practices. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.417, t-value of 4.31, and p-value of 0.006 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. 

iii. The study found that job demands and work schedules significantly influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, as evidenced by the responses indicating that long working hours, shift duties, and short maternity leave create challenges for maintaining exclusive breastfeeding. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.389, t-value of 3.96, and p-value of 0.009 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. 

iv. The study found that family and spousal support significantly influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among female police officers in Rivers State, as evidenced by the responses indicating that emotional encouragement, financial assistance, and family childcare support promote exclusive breastfeeding practices. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.451, t-value of 4.73, and p-value of 0.004 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings
5.2 Implication of the Findings
5.3 Limitations of the Study
5.4 Summary 
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

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