KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SOUTH KERALA.

Dr. NESAMONY MANEKSH KUMAR; Dr. DELINDA LINU SWORNILA; Miss. SHRUTHI.P

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2017

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SOUTH KERALA.

Dr. Nesamony Maneksh Kumar, Dr. Delinda Linu Swornila, Miss. Shruthi. P

Abstract :

Background: Breastfeeding is the ideal feeding practice for infants promoted worldwide by health professionals. Both infants and mothers are benefited by east feeding. However, its prevalence has remained low worldwide. This study was designed to describe the knowledge, attitude and practice of eastfeeding among postnatal mothers visiting a tertiary care centre, South Kerala. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross–sectional study held in Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College enrolled 100 mothers with babies of age 4 or less, attending the outpatient department. Convenient sampling was done & consent obtained. One to one interview was done with a pre–tested, semi–structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on eastfeeding among mothers. Results: The postnatal mothers were knowledgeable about eastfeeding and that they had positive attitude towards eastfeeding. Also, the findings indicated that most of the mothers had received help from hospital staff regarding eastfeeding practice and 69% mothers had eastfed their baby just after birth or in less than one hour after birth. 92% of the mothers were aware of exclusive east feeding (EBF), but only 76% were exclusive east feeders. 54% mothers did not support formula feeds which is a strong evidence of good knowledge. Conclusion: The mothers have a very good knowledge and positive attitudes toward east feeding. This study also shows that the level of exclusive eastfeeding is low among Indian mothers and the practice of eastfeeding is not as much as what is expected out of the high percentage of knowledge. Thus there is a need for improvement.