Abstract
The study examined the attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) among rural
women in farming communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with the aim of describing their
socio-economic characteristics, examining their awareness, identifying sources of information,
assessing their attitudes, and determining the perceived benefits of EB. Using a multi-stage
sampling technique, 124 respondents were selected across six farming communities in three
LGAs, with data collected via structured face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics showed
that the majority of the respondents were aged 31–40 years (54.0%), predominantly Christian
(96.8%), and highly educated, with 80.6% having tertiary education. Private employment
(35.5%) was the most common occupation, and most respondents were married (91.9%) and
experienced mothers (68.5%). The findings revealed that 75.57% of the women had high
awareness of EB, with strong knowledge of its role in reducing nutrition-related diseases (Mean
= 2.32) and its preventive health benefits for infants (Mean = 2.31). Health institutions (Mean =
3.50), friends (Mean = 3.50), and social media (Mean = 3.45) emerged as the major sources of
EB information. Attitudinally, respondents agreed that maternal age affects EB capability (Mean
= 3.52) and acknowledged that EB may prevent pregnancy (Mean = 3.50), while rejecting
negative misconceptions such as EB causing pain or cancer (Mean = 1.78). Key benefits cited
included improved child immunity, maternal health recovery, and economic savings. The study
concluded that while awareness and attitude toward EB are generally high among rural women
in farming communities, there are still areas requiring deeper sensitization, especially regarding
misconceptions and the adequacy of EB for infants less than six months. Based on these findings,
it was recommended that targeted, community-based health education programs be intensified
through trusted health institutions to reinforce correct knowledge and encourage consistent EB
practice.