Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of women about Early Initiation of Breast Feeding

Abstract

1.ABSTRACT Background : Breastfeeding is essential for a baby's nourishment and development. It is the most effective way to reduce infant mortality around the world. Aim : This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of women about early initiation of breastfeeding. Study design : A descriptive cross sectional research design. Setting: Study was conducted at Antenatal clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology Center and labour and delivery unit at Mansoura University Hospitals. Subjects : A purposive sample of 114 women who are attending for previous predetermined setting. Tools : Two tools were used; structured interview questionnaire and Likert rating scale to assess women's attitude about early initiation of breastfeeding. Results : However 100% of women know that breastfeeding is important and the most of them know the colostrum, only less than half had fair level about early initiation of breastfeeding and (31.6%) had poor level and only (21.9%) had good level of information. Less than half of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding until six months. Approximately two thirds of the studied women had adequate level of early breastfeeding practices, the majority of the studied women had satisfactory level related overall attitude about early initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion : The finding showed that a statistically significant positive relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices of the studied women and early initiation of breastfeeding. Also there was a statistically significant difference between mode of delivery of the studied women and total levels of early breastfeeding practices. Recommendation : Improving the knowledge and practice of initiation of breastfeeding and colostrum is recommended by counseling women regarding breastfeeding during ANC visit.