Abstract
Background: Human milk is the ideal nourishment for infants’ survival, growth, and development. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Exclusive breast feeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. Exclusive breast feeding in the first six months of life stimulates babies’ immune systems and protects them from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life is now considered as a global public heath goal that is linked to reduction of infant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of Primigravida mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding and to associate the knowledge with their demographic variables. Methodology: Quantitative approach with descriptive design was used to assess the knowledge of the Primigravida mothers at selected hospital at Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh in May 2018. A total of one hundred Primigravida mothers were selected by using convenient sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: Out of 100 participants, majority (71%) had moderate knowledge, many (27%) had inadequate knowledge and very few (2%) had adequate knowledge. Significant association was found between the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among the Primigravida mothers with their occupation (?2=40.22) at 0.05% level of significance. Conclusion: Breastfeeding is very important for an infant. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is still low in India. Majority of the Primigravida mothers had inadequate knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding counseling in all reproductive and child health clinics especially during the antenatal and postnatal periods may help to improve the mothers’ knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding.
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