APPENDICES

PART 1. A: MOTHERS

Table 1 presents the age of the mother as respondent. It appeared that majority of the
respondents belonged to twenty to twenty-five with 48 % followed by 31-35 years old with
30 %. Only 10 % belonged to 15-20 years old and 8% belonged to 26-30 years old. The
least is 4% which only belonged to 36 and above. According to L. Lipman M.D (March
2011) 12 had children born when they were over 21 years of age only from the their
respondents. This data signify that most respondents giving a birth started in the age of 21-
25 years old.

TABLE I. RESPONDENT’S PROFILE

Age Total Percentage Rank

A. 15-20 5 10 % 3
B. 21-25 24 48 % 1
C. 26-30 4 8% 4
D. 31-35 15 30 % 2
E. 36 above 2 4% 5
Total: 50 100 %

The number of children of the respondents are presented in the Table II below. The
data revealed that 76 % of the respondents belonged to household with 1-5 children,
indicating that the majority of families in the survey falls within this range. While the least
is belonged to 10 % with 10 above children and in between is belonged to 14% with 6-10
children. This suggest that respondents who have 1-5 children have knowledge regarding
exclusively breastfeeding and who were also expose. Similar to this study, a socio-cultural
background also revealed that only 31% of the mothers had adequate knowledge regarding
exclusive breastfeeding (Leshi, O. 2016)

TABLE II. NUMBER OF CHILDREN

Number of Total Percentage Rank
Children
A. 1-5 38 76 % 1
B. 6-10 7 14 % 3
C. 10 above 5 10 % 2
Total: 50 100 %

Table below shows the age of the youngest of the respondents. This data revealed
that the age of the youngest were belonged to 13-18 months with 40% while 0-6 months
and 7-12 months with similar result of 30 % respectively.

TABLE III. AGE OF THE YOUNGEST

Age of the Total Percentage Rank

Youngest
A. 0-6 months 15 30 % 2
B. 7-12 months 15 30 % 2

C. 13-18 months 20 40 % 1

Total: 50 100 %
Next table shows the monthly household income of the respondents. Based to the
given data, the findings revealed that 80% of the respondents belonged to households with
a monthly income below Php 5,000.00 indicating that the majority of the surveyed
population within the low-income bracket. While the above Php 5,000.00 to Php 10,000.00
falls within 12% and more than Php 10,000.00 with 8%. This highlights a predominance
of low-income households were belonged to less than Php 5,000.00 with 80%. Related to
this studies, this shows that breastfeeding rates tend to be found lower among low-income
populations (Eckhardt and Hendershot, 1984, Ryan and Martinez, 1989, Kistin et al., 1990,
Ryan et al., 1991, Ross Laboratories).

TABLE IV. MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Monthly Household Total Percentage Rank

Income
A. Less than PHP 40 80 % 1
5,000.00
B. PHP 5,001- PHP 6 12 % 2
10,000.00
C. More than PHP 4 8% 3
10,000.00
Total: 50 100 %

This table shows the educational attainment of the respondents. The results indicate
that 60% of the respondents have attained a high school level of education, making it the
most common educational attainment among the surveyed group. Only 34% belonged to
Elementary and 6% belonged to College attained by the rest of the respondents. While no
respondents attained no formal education. According to the study of Alshammari, M.
(2021), In Saudi, mothers with higher levels of education tend to be better informed about
the health benefits of breastfeeding, possess higher health literacy, and have greater access
to informational resources, all of which contribute to their likelihood of exclusively
breastfeeding their infants.

TABLE V. EDUCATONAL ATTAINMENT

Educational Attainment Total Percentag Rank

e
 A. No formal education 0 0 4
B. Elementary 17 34 % 2
C. High School 30 60 % 1
D. College 3 6% 3
Total: 50 100 %

Next table show the employment status of the respondents. This revealed that 72% of the
total respondents are unemployed, indicating that the majority of the surveyed population does not
have regular work, while the 20% were belonged to self-employed. Only 8% falls within employed.
Based on the study of Polit DF, Beck CT (2012) they conducted a national study in rural Ghana,
which education, occupation, economic factors and marital status were the factors affecting
exclusive breastfeeding.

TABLE VI. EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employment Status Total Percentage Rank

A. Unemployed 36 72 % 1

B. Self-Employed 10 20 % 2

C. Employed 4 8% 3

D. Others 0 0 4
PART 2.B:
Total: 50 100 %

BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES

This table below shows the duration of breastfeeding exclusively of the respondents.
The data revealed that 72% of the respondents exclusively breastfed their infants for less
than 1 month. While, 1-3 months falls with the percentage of 20 % and 4-6 months with
8%. And no percentage for more than 6 months. However, according to the World Health
Organisation, (2022a) It is always recommended to start complementary feeding when a
child is 6 months old.

TABLE VII. HOW LONG DID YOU BREASTFED EXCLUSIVELY?

1. How long did you Total Percentage Rank

breastfeed exclusively?

A. Less than 1 month 36 72 % 1

B. 1-3 months 10 20 % 2

C. 4-6 months 4 8% 3

[Link] than 6 months 0 0 4

Total: 50 100 %

The reasons for not exclusively breastfeeding of the respondents shows below. The
finding indicate that 40% of the respondents lack adequate knowledge regarding the
benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, shows that a considerable number of mother may not
be fully informed about its importance to infant health. Followed by 18% which
insufficient milk supply and baby’s refusal to breastfeed falls within 22%. Only the work
or other commitment and illness/health concern of mother or baby with same percentage
of 6% and 4% for lack of support from family or community and access to milk. No
percentage for others. In the study of JA Scott (2002) results showed that most mothers
were not prepared to experience any difficulties or problems with breastfeeding.

TABLE VIII. WHAT WERE THE REASONS FOR NOT EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFEEDING?

2. What were the reasons for Total Percentage Rank

not exclusively breastfeeding?
A. Lack of knowledge about the 20 40 % 1
benefits of exclusive
breastfeeding
 B. Insufficient milk supply 9 18 % 3

C. Baby’s refusal to breastfeed 11 22 % 2

[Link] or other commitment 3 6% 4

E. Illness/health concern of 3 6% 4
mother or baby
F. Lack of support from family 2 4% 5
or community
G. Access to formula milk 2 4% 5

H. Others (please specify) 0 0 6

Total: 50 100 %

The factors influenced the decision of respondents to breastfeed is presented below.

The findings revealed that 38% of the respondents identified work-related reasons as a
significant factor affecting their decision to breastfeed, indicating that employment status
and workplace conditions play an important role in infant feeding choices. Only 36% falls
within the advice from health workers, family support were garnered 20 % and 6% for
health reasons.

TABLE IX. WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO BREASTFEED?

3. What factors influenced Total Percentage Rank

your decision to breastfeed?
 A. Advice from health workers 18 36 % 2
B. Family support 10 20 % 3
C. Work 19 38% 1
[Link] reasons 3 6% 4
E. Others 0 0 5
Total: 50 100 %

Next table shown below is the challenges that respondents faced while
breastfeeding. The data reveal that 40% of the respondents experienced challenges while
breastfeeding falls into lack of time due to work or responsibilities, indicating that a
considerable proportion of mothers encountered barriers that could potentially affect their
decision to continue or discontinue breastfeeding. Also, 30% of the respondents suffered
pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, lack of support or guidance from health workers
falls into 24 % and 6 % for believing that breast milk alone was not enough for the baby.

TABLE X. WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

4. What challenges did you face Total Percentage Rank

whie breastfeeding?
A. Lack of time due to work or 20 40 % 1
responsibilities
B. Pain or discomfort while 15 30 % 2
breastfeeding
C. Lack of support or guidance 12 24 % 3
from health workers
D. Belief that breast milk alone 3 6% 4
was not enough for the baby
Total: 50 100 %
 PART 3. C: KNOWLEDGE ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

The table below shows the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding of the respondents.
This items which respondents “strongly agreed” that knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding
were: (a) breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and malnutrition in infants (3.64), (b)
breastfeeding contributes to postpartum recovery ad bonding between mother and child (3.42), (c)
the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding extend into adulthood (3.64), (d) mothers with HIV cannot
breastfeed safely under any circumstances (3.26), (e) breastfeeding demand is essential for proper
positioning milk production (3.48) and (f) proper positioning and latching are crucial for successful
breastfeeding. All the other items were “agree”by the respondents in knowledge on exclusive
[Link] suggests that respondents generally have positive awareness and
understanding of breast feeding’s long term health advantages. According to “Jurnal
Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia Vol 20 / No. 4 / October 2025” The importance of providing
exclusive breastfeeding to babies is not only for optimal growth and development but also
for preventing long-term health problems. Therefore, education on the importance of
breastfeeding needs to be continuously improved in the community.

TABLE XI. KNOWLEDGE ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

4- Strongly 3- Agree 2- Disagree 1- Strongl Average Adjectival

Agree y Disagree Weighted Description
Mean
1. Breastfeeding
reduces the risk of 3.04 0.48 0.08 0.04 3.64 Strongly
infections and Agree
malnutrition in
infants
2. Breastfeeding
contributes to 1.92 1.38 0.12 0 3.42 Strongly
postpartum recovery Agree
ad bonding between
mother and child
3. The benefits of
exclusive 3.04 0.42 0.16 0.02 3.64 Strongly
breastfeeding extend Agree
into adulthood
4. Infant formula is
equal substitute for 1.12 1.56 0.16 0.12 2.96 Agree
breastmilk
5. Mothers with HIV
cannot breastfeed 2.32 0.6 0.24 0.1 3.26 Strongly
safely under any Agree
circumstances
6. Breastfeeding
demand is essential
for proper 2.32 1.02 0.12 0.02 3.48 Strongly
positioning milk Agree
production
7. Proper positioning
and latching are 2.56 0.96 0.04 0.02 3.58 Strongly
crucial for successful Agree
breastfeeding
8. Midwives are key
influences in 2.08 0.9 0.28 0.04 3.3 Agree
mother’s decisions to
breastfeed.
Legend: 3.25-4.00 (strongly agree), 2.50-3.24 (agree), 1.75-2.49 (disagree) and 1.00-1.74
(strongly disagree)

PART 1. MIDWIVES AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS

The table below shows the age of the midwives and health care workers as respondents. The
findings reveal that the majority of the respondents belong to the age group of 30 to 39 years old.
While the least age among the respondents belonged to 40-49 years old. This suggests that most
participants are in their early to mid-adulthood, an age range often associated with greater life
experience, higher levels of maturity, and established family responsibilities. Given that this age
group typically includes mothers who are either currently raising young children or have had
previous experiences with childbirth and breastfeeding, their responses may reflect a more
informed and practical understanding of the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding compared to
younger respondents.

TABLE XII. RESPONDENT’S PROFILE

Age Total Percentage Rank

A. 20-29 18 36 % 2
B. 30-39 27 54 % 1

C. 40-49 2 4% 4

D. 50- above 3 6% 3

Total: 50 100 %

The sex of the midwives and health care workers of the respondents are presented to the table below.
This findings indicate that half of the respondents 50% chose not to disclose their gender, while
38% identified as female and 12% as male. This suggests that a significant portion of participants
preferred to maintain privacy regarding their gender identity, which may reflect personal reasons,
cultural factors, or a desire for anonymity.

TABLE XIII. SEX

GENDER Total Percentage Rank

Male 6 12 % 3
Female 19 38 % 2
Prefer not to say 25 50 % 1
Total: 50 100 %
Next table represent the civil status of the midwives and health care respondents. This data revealed
that most of the respondents are married with 54%, followed by single with 44% and out of 50
respondents only 2% were widowed. Separated and others garnered 0%. This indicates that the
majority of respondents are married individuals, which may influence their perspectives and
decisions regarding breastfeeding practices, as married respondents are more likely to have family-
oriented responsibilities and firsthand experiences with child-rearing.

TABLE XIV. CIVIL STATUS

Total Percentage Rank

Single 22 44 % 2
Married 27 54 % 1
Widowed 1 2 % 3
Separated 0 0 4
Others 0 0 4
Total: 50 100 %

The educational attainment of the respondents are presented to the table below. The data shows that
most of the respondents with 70% were graduated midwifery. While, others were bachelor’s degree
with 26% and master’s degree and others garnered same percentage of 2%. This suggests that most
of the graduates of midwifery are likely possess substantial knowledge and understanding of
maternal and child health, including breastfeeding practices.

TABLE XV. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Total Percentage Rank
Midwifery 35 70 % 1
Bachelor’s 13 26 % 2
Degree
Master’s Degree 1 2 % 3
Others 1 2% 3
Total: 50 100 %
 The years of experience of the respondents are presented to the table below. The results
shows that the majority of the respondents among 50 were 68% have 1-5 years of experience as
midwives or health care workers. Only 14% have an experience for less than a year while 6-10
years with 8% and more than a year with 10%. This suggests that most participants are relatively
early in their professional careers but have already gained practical exposure to maternal and child
health care, including breastfeeding support and education.

TABLE XVI. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Total Percentage Rank

Less than a year 7 14 % 2
1-5 years 34 68 % 1
6-10 years 4 8 % 4

More than 10 5 10 % 3
years
Total: 50 100 %

Next table shows the area of assignment of the respondents. Based to the data collected,
majority of respondents 88% are working or used to work in a rural area while urban area only
garnered with 4% and some of them worked in both urban and rural area. This suggests that most
of the respondents are highly familiar with the maternal and child health conditions encountered in
rural communities, where access to health care services, breastfeeding education, and medical
resources may be more limited compared to urban areas.

TABLE XVII. AREA OF ASSIGNMENT

Total Percentage Rank

Urban 2 4% 3
Rural 44 88 % 1
Both 4 8% 2

Total: 50 100 %
 The table below shows the type of facility of the respondents. This findings revealed that
half of the respondent 50% out of 50 are working in barangay health centers, indicating that a
significant portion of the participants are directly involved in providing primary health care services
at the rural [Link], others are working in a private clinc with 24%, birthing home with
8%, hospital with 6% and other mentioned RHU (rural health unit) with 12%. This suggest that
barangay health center are usually the first point of contact for mothers and infant in Catanusan,
Minalabac, Camarines Sur.

TABLE XVIII. TYPE OF FACILITY

Total Percentage Rank

Barangay Health Center 25 50 % 1
Hospital 3 6% 5
Private Clinic 12 24 % 2
Birthing Home 4 8% 4
Others (RHU) 6 12 % 3
Total: 50 100 %

The frequency of breastfeeding of the respondents as midwives and health care workers
shows in the table below. This data shows that 46% of the respondents reported breastfeeding of
mothers to their infants 3-4 times. While, 12 % among the respondent disclose the frequency of
breast feeding is none, 1-2 times with 20% and more than 4 times with 22%. This suggests that
nearly half of the respondents follow a moderate breastfeeding frequency, which may reflect a
balanced approach to infant feeding based on the needs of the child and the availability of the
mother. However, since exclusive breastfeeding is generally recommended to occur on demand or
around 8–12 times within 24 hours during the early months (as advised by health organizations
such as the WHO), the reported frequency may imply that some respondents breastfeed less
frequently than the optimal recommendation.
 TABLE XIX. FREQUENCY OF BREASTFEEDING

Total Percentage Rank

None 6 12 % 4
1-2 Times 10 20 % 3
3-4 Times 23 46 % 1
More than 4 times 11 22 % 2
Total: 50 100 %
PART
2.A: PRACTICES IN PROMOTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

The table below represent the practices in promoting exclusive breastfeeding of the
midwives and health care workers as respondents. Only in promoting early initiation of breast
feeding after birth have a majority response and with average weighted mean of 3.72 while the least
which also considered as “high” in adjectival description with 3.3 average weighted mean were
actively involve family members (especially fathers) in breastfeeding education. Overall, this
findings suggests that health facilities continue strengthening breastfeeding education programs
during antenatal visits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all infants be
exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months of age,1 followed by the gradual introduction of other
forms of nutrition and continued breastfeeding into the second year and beyond (Della A. Forster
RN, 2007)

TABLE XX. Practices in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding

Average Adjectival
4-Very High 3 -High 2-Moderate 1-Low Weighted Description
Mean
1. Provide
breastfeeding 2.88 0.66 0.08 0.02 3.64 Very High
counseling during
antenatal visits
2. Demonstrates
proper breastfeeding 2.08 1.2 0.16 0 3.44 Very High
techniques to
mothers
3. Provides follow-
up supports to 2.8 0.78 0.04 0.02 3.64 Very High
mother
4. Distribute printed
educational 1.52 1.5 0.16 0.04 3.22 High
materials about
breastfeeding
5. Actively involve
family members 1.84 1.2 0.24 0.02 3.3 High
(especially fathers)
in breastfeeding
education
6. Refer mothers to
lactation consultants 1.52 1.44 0.28 0 3.24 High
or support groups
when needed
7. Document
breastfeeding 2.56 0.96 0.04 0.02 3.58 Very High
progress in maternal
records
8. Address myths
and misconceptions 2.24 1.14 0.08 0.02 3.48 Very High
about breastfeeding
during consultation
9. Use visuals aids
(e.g. 2.24 1.26 0.04 0 3.54 Very High
posters,models) in
educating mothers
10. Promote early
initiation of breast 2.96 0.72 0.04 0 3.72 Very High
feeding after birth
Legend: 3.25-4.00 (very high), 2.50-3.24 (high), 1.75-2.49 (moderate) and 1.00-1.74 (low)
 PART 2.B: WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS MORE
CHALLENGING

The table below shows the challenges facing by the midwives and health care
workers as respondents to this study. The data revealed that among the respondents only
2.9 average weighted mean as “moderate” disclose that short maternity leave pushing
mothers to return to work early. While, majority of the respondents with average weighted
mean of 3.58 as “very high” respond that lack of private space for breastfeeding in public
areas is more challenging for them in working as midwives and health care workers. In
addition, the rest of the respondents respond “high” in challenges mentioned and faced by
the midwives and health care workers. In the similar to this study of Kinshella et al. (2021)
that health facility infrastructure, supplies and staffing appears to be a neglected area in
breastfeeding promotion. In which promoting exclusive breastfeeding is more challenging
to the part of midwives and health care workers.

TABLE XXI. Which of the following is more challenging:

Challenges 4-Very 3 -High 2-Moderate 1-Low Average Adjectival

High Weighted Mean Description
1. Cultural beliefs
that discourage 1.44 1.26 0.24 0.1 3.04 High
exclusive
breastfeeding
2. Lack of up-to-date
training materials 0.96 1.32 0.48 0.08 2.84 High
3. Poor support
system among 1.52 1.08 0.4 0.06 3.06 High
mother’s families
4. Short maternity
leave pushing 0.88 1.5 0.48 0.04 2.9 Moderate
mothers to return to
work early
 5. Influence of
advertisement 1.04 1.32 0.4 0.1 2.86 High
promoting formula
milk
6. Limited time for
individualized 0.64 1.62 0.44 0.08 2.78 High
breastfeeding
education
7. Lack of private
space for 2.56 0.96 0.04 0.02 3.58 Very High
breastfeeding in
public areas
8. Language barriers
when educating 0.56 1.26 0.64 0.12 2.58 High
mothers
9. Low self-
confidence of 0.32 1.8 0.04 0.12 2.28 Moderate
mothers in their
ability to breastfeed
10. Resistance from
mother due to 0.88 1.2 0.56 0.1 2.74 High
previous negative
experiences
Legend: 3.25-4.00 (very high), 2.50-3.24 (high), 1.75-2.49 (moderate) and 1.00-1.74 (low)
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