Breastfeeding Knowledge, Perceived Stress, and Barriers among Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Inadequate infant feeding practices is a major contributor to the high burden of childhood morbidity and mortality in many countries. Female participation in the labour sector has increased and many of them return to work soon after giving birth posing a significant barrier to breastfeeding. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among working mothers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 360 working mothers selected by multistage sampling technique. Quantitative and qualitative data were collective using interviewer-administered questionnaire and key informant interview guide, respectively. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Scientific Solutions (SPSS) version 21.0 and significant level was set at p<0.05.Results: Two hundred and seventy-six (76.7%) of the respondents had good knowledge of breast feeding. More than three-quarters (77.2%) initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth, 201 (55.8%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding correctly and 201 (55.8%) introduced complementary foods on time. Median duration of breastfeeding was 14.6 months. Less than half of them (41.7%) had good overall practice of breastfeeding. Level of education, sector of work, knowledge of breastfeeding and availability of on-site crèche were significantly associated with practice of breastfeeding. Common barriers to breastfeeding included poor spousal support, no paid maternity leave and non-availability of nearby crèches. Most of the organizations observed had a breast feeding policy.Conclusions: This study revealed a gap between the knowledge and practice of adequate breastfeeding among the respondents and identified some perceived barriers to optimal breastfeeding.

Objective: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that aims to identify the influence of socio-cultural factors on Kuwaiti mothers’ knowledge of Breast Feeding (BF) initiation and duration, and of the appropriate time for introducing food supplements. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was handed to 870 Kuwaiti mothers, and it consisted of four sections: socio-cultural information, knowledge of BF initiation, knowledge of BF duration, and sources of information about exclusive BF. Results: there were significant differences between the participants’ demographic information (age, ethnic background, governorate, and occupational status) and their knowledge of BF initiation and duration. A statistically significant relationship was found between the participants’ demographic factors (age, marital status, ethnic background, and occupational status) and knowledge of when to introduce supplements to their infants. The participants’ mothers were the main source of BF information. Conclusions: The findings of this study can assist physicians and lactation specialists with providing more culturally sensitive care to maternal patients and offering them appropriate counseling about breastfeeding practice.

Background:Breastfeeding (BF) is associated with multiple benefits for infants and their mothers. Different factors influence its practice, such as the level of knowledge, women’s attitude toward feeding practices, the mother’s...

Objective To investigate the breast feeding knowledge and self-efficacy among hospitalized multiparae and to explore the influencing factors of breast feeding self-efficacy. Methods From January to August 2018, we selected hospitalized multiparae at Yuyao People's Hospital and Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital as subjects by simple random sampling. All of the multiparae were investigated with the general information questionnaire, breast feeding knowledge questionnaire and breastfeeding self-efficacy scale. A total of 400 questionnaire were sent out and 372 valid questionnaire were collected with 93.0% for the valid recovery rate. Results Among 372 hospitalized multiparae, the total score of breast feeding knowledge questionnaire was (5.53±1.02) ; the total score of breastfeeding self-efficacy was (80.36±16.72) . Single factor analysis showed that there were statistical differences in the scores of breast feeding self-efficacy among hospitalized multiparae with different ages, education levels, working state, living styles, income levels, delivery modes, number of complications, training for breast feeding, mastery of breast feeding knowledge, breast feeding for the first time (P<0.01) . Correlation analysis showed that breast feeding knowledge had a statistically positive correlation with the self-efficacy among hospitalized multiparae (r=0.117, P=0.026) . Multiple linear regression analysis proved that the main influencing factors of breast feeding self-efficacy among multiparae included working state, number of complications, training for breast feeding and breast feeding knowledge with a statistical difference. Conclusions The breast feeding knowledge and self-efficacy of hospitalized multiparae are not good enough. Communities and hospitals need to work hard together to improve styles and strategies of breast feeding education so as to increase the rate of breast feeding. Key words: Breast feeding; Knowledge; Multiparae; Influencing factors; Self-efficacy

Sound breastfeeding (BF) knowledge among health professionals is vital for proper institutional support of BF mothers. This study aims to measure both BF knowledge and self-efficacy (SE) of pediatric nurses in supporting BF and to determine their associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mansoura University Children's Hospital and Mansoura New General Hospital during the period from January to March 2017. A total of 186 nurses completed a predesigned self-administered questionnaire developed by the investigators to measure BF knowledge and SE in BF counseling. The overall total means of BF knowledge and SE scores were 26.8 (6.4) and 3.8 (0.6), respectively. Linear regression showed that having bachelor education, working in neonatal department, having a child (aged 2-5 years) were significant independent predictors of BF knowledge score (R 2 = 0.448, p ≤ 0.001), while BF knowledge score is the only significant independent predictor of SE in BF counseling (R 2= 0.36, p ≤ 0.001). Higher pregraduation education, working in neonatal department, having children aged 2 to 5 years are independent predictors of BF knowledge. Improving BF knowledge may improve nurses' SE in supporting BF.

In order to study fathers' knowledge of breast feeding and its relationship with paternal factors, fathers of 92 breast feeding and 89 non-breast feeding newborns were compared. Paternal factors included previous children and the way they were fed, participation in prenatal care, attendance at prenatal classes, breast feeding information provided by health professionals, use of reading materials and interest in learning more about the subject. The results indicated that fathers had poor knowledge about breast feeding, especially those whose children were being bottle fed. After adjustments for confounders, fathers who had previous breast-fed child(ren), had attended prenatal classes and who received information about breast feeding from medical personnel had a significantly higher chance of having a better knowledge of breast feeding. It seems that fathers need to be better prepared to assume their new role as breast feeding supporters. Prenatal care was shown to be a good opportunity to improve fathers' knowledge of breast feeding.

BackgroundThe exclusive breastfeeding rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is abysmally low, and based on current trends, achieving the World Health Organization's (WHO) global nutrition goal of a 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2025 will require an additional three decades.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study involving healthcare workers (HCWs) providing direct care to breastfeeding mothers in six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. HCWs were recruited using a stratified random sampling method, with a minimum sample size of 1537. Data was collected through validated-interviewer-administered-questionnaires.ResultsThe mean age of the 1294 respondents was 35.2 ± 10.0 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. Overall, breastfeeding knowledge was subsufficient (41.2% across three domains), with specific knowledge gaps observed in breastfeeding for mothers with breast cancer (13.4%) and hepatitis B (59.4%). Only 18.9% correctly identified laid-back and cross-cradle breastfeeding positions. High school and tertiary education were significantly associated with sufficient breastfeeding knowledge (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.299–3.738; AOR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.234–3.205). Negative attitudes toward breastfeeding support were associated with being female (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.094–1.957), while being a doctor was linked to the lowest instructional support (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.118–0.661). Positive attitudes toward breastfeeding support were significantly associated with sufficient knowledge (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.833–3.161; p < 0.001), but not with technical knowledge (AOR: 0.8, 95% CI 0.629–0.993).ConclusionHealthcare workers showed subsufficient overall breastfeeding knowledge, especially regarding breastfeeding in maternal illnesses and positioning. Targeted programs are needed to improve breastfeeding support knowledge, instructional support and attitudes, especially among female HCWs and physicians.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate middle school students' knowledge and attitudes related to breast feeding. Methods: The knowledge and attitudes related to breast feeding were measured by structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, using the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program. Results: The level of knowledge of breast feeding was 9.02 points out of 25 points, in average. Attitudes towards breast feeding was 3.77 points out of 5 points, in average. There were significant differences in the knowledge of breast feeding according to grade, feeding type, family type, experiences of observing breast feeding, experiences of obtaining breast feeding information, will to practice breast feeding, and the reasons for low breast feeding rate. There were significant differences in attitudes towards breast feeding according to gender, grade, feeding type, family type, experiences of observing breast feeding, experiences of obtaining breast feeding information, timing of breast feeding education, will to practice breast feeding, and the reasons for low breast feeding rate. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge of breast feeding and attitudes towards breast feeding. Conclusion: Middle school students should be provided with various education programs to improve their knowledge of and attitudes toward breast feeding.

Breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, attitude and breastfeeding intention affect breastfeeding rates, especially in mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) who are associated with having poor breastfeeding outcomes. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate whether breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and sociodemographic factors are associated with breastfeeding intention among GDM pregnant mothers attending health clinics in Selangor. Validated questionnaires including Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF), Knowledge and Attitude, Breastfeeding Questionnaire (KA-BFQ), and Infant Feeding Intention (IFI) were self-administered to assess maternal knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intention towards breastfeeding. Pearson’s Chi Square and independent t-test were used to investigate factors associated with breastfeeding intention among GDM mothers. Multiple linear regression was executed to explore determinants of breastfeeding intention among the studied population. A total of 124 pregnant women with GDM visiting chosen public health clinics in Selangor were recruited for this study. Findings revealed the scores (Mean ± SD) for breastfeeding knowledge 25.66 ± 8.736, breastfeeding attitude 81 ± 11.5, and breastfeeding self-efficacy 48.5 ± 12. About 84.7% (n = 105) had the intention to breastfeed with a mean score of 11 ± 5.25. Further analysis depicted significant associations between breastfeeding intention with a family history of diabetes (AOR = 3.551, 95% CI: 1.127 to 11.185, p-value = 0.030) and breastfeeding knowledge (AOR = 1.107, 95% CI: 1.036 to 1.182, p-value = 0.003). This study concluded that mothers with GDM had fair breastfeeding knowledge, good attitude, high self-efficacy, and high intention in breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need to develop culture-specific interventions in improving breastfeeding knowledge particularly to enhance breastfeeding intention among GDM mothers.

The exclusive breastfeeding rate of Chinese infants aged up to six months was lower than 50%. This study aimed to assess the infant feeding attitude of pregnant women, and investigate associations between breastfeeding knowledge, body image and infant feeding attitude. This study designed as a multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1, 2024 to December 5, 2024 in two maternal hospital of China. The Iowa infant feeding attitude scale, breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire and body image in pregnancy scale were used. Multiple linear regression analysis and the restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were performed to analyze their associations. Totally 568 pregnant women with high breastfeeding knowledge were more likely to favor to breastfeeding (β = 0.443, p < 0.01), while pregnant women with high body image had a negative attitude toward breastfeeding (β = -0.076, p < 0.05). The RCS analyses further identified that breastfeeding knowledge and body image had a statistical association with infant feeding attitude in pregnant women. Besides, a positive breastfeeding attitude appeared at when breastfeeding knowledge was ≥ 13 score (poverall < 0.0001, pnon-linear = 0.1142, β = 0.467) or body image was ≤ 98 score (poverall < 0.001, pnon-linear = 0.6253, β = -0.288). Overall, healthcare staff need to pay more attention to the breastfeeding knowledge and body image in pregnancy, and then perform targeted interventions for pregnant women to improve a positive attitude toward breastfeeding in pregnant women and then promote their breastfeeding practice behavior.

An Australian study of midwives’ breast-feeding knowledge

This study investigates the impact of Internet-based integrated care on breastfeeding outcomes and emotional well-being in primiparous women. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 154 primiparous women admitted to Baoji People's Hospital from July 2020 to September 2023. Participants were divided into an observation group (n = 58), which received internet-based integrated care, and a control group (n = 96), which received routine telephone follow-up. We compared breastfeeding outcomes, knowledge, self-efficacy, and infant physical development between the groups, and performed logistic regression to identify risk factors affecting breastfeeding. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy scores between the groups (all P > 0.05). At 6 months postpartum, the observation group had a higher breastfeeding success rate and improved scores in breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy (all P < 0.05). Infants in the observation group exhibited better physical development compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified age (P = 0.019), mode of delivery (P = 0.006), and nipple condition (P = 0.029) as independent risk factors for exclusive breastfeeding, while education level (P < 0.001), type of employment (P = 0.002), and daily sucking frequency (P = 0.005) were identified as independent protective factors. The Internet-based integrated care model significantly enhances breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and exclusive breastfeeding rates among primiparous women, while also supporting better infant physical development.

The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge and practice of breast and complementary infant feedings among mothers of Shinasha culture in Bullen Woreda. The study was undertaken in four kebeles and 80 participants were selected by using convenient sampling. Questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 to compute descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and one-way ANOVA. The result of analysis reveals that mothers were not given any information about infant feeding before birth of the infant and after birth of the infant mothers got information about breast and complementary infant feeding elder mothers. There is no significant difference among mothers on their knowledge and practice of breast and complementary infant feeding on the three categories of age. Mothers lacked sufficient knowledge about importance of breast feeding for breastfeeding mothers and biased in duration of breastfeeding between both sexes of their infants. The knowledge of complementary infant feeding mothers reported that male infants should start complementary foods earlier than female infants. It is concluded that there is no statistically significant difference among mothers by their knowledge level practices on breast and complementary infant feeding on their age groups. Finally, it was recommended that all concerned bodies of the community, health extension workers etc. should take their parts in educating and creating awareness for mothers about breast and complementary infant feeding.

Background: Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life significantly improves the growth, health status and survival of infants. However in spite of all the evidence in support of this practice, its prevalence in the developing world has remained low. Aim: To determine the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants aged 7 to 24 months in Gbarantoru Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in order to derive information to be used for future breast feeding enlightenment programmes in the sub-region. Methodology: During a medical outreach organized by the Nigerian Medical Association, Bayelsa State Branch, 134 mothers of infants aged 7 to 24 months were interviewed on their knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: 59.7% of the mothers knew the correct definition and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The major source of their breast feeding knowledge was health workers (80.6%), followed by the mass media (10.4%). All (100%) the mothers breast fed their babies in the first 6 months of life however only 26.9% of them practiced exclusive breast feeding for 6 months. Exclusive breast feeding rate increased with increasing maternal age and education. Mothers who knew the benefits of exclusive breast feeding were more likely to breast feed exclusively compared to those who did not. Conclusion: There is a wide gap between knowledge and practice of exclusive breast feeding among mothers in Gbarantoru Community. There is an urgent need for more programmes aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding as well as educating and re-educating health personnel and the general public

Background: Use of social media to affect health behavior change is growing, but there is little evidence that this results in positive changes in behavior or health.We sought to explore benefits of using a mobile phone application (app) to effectively and conveniently support new mothers with breastfeeding (BF).Objective(s): 1) Solicit feedback from first time mothers on an app designed to support initiation and duration of BF; 2) Pilot test the feasibility of using this app to increase and maintain BF among a diverse sample; and 3) Obtain qualitative feedback from a subsample of participants.Materials/Methods: Formative and pilot research including online focus group discussions to generate reactions to a theory based app program with features and content designed to increase self-efficacy and social support for breastfeeding; betatesting the app for usability, and pilot testing the app for three months with pre and post assessments of BF self-efficacy and behavior.Telephone interviews were conducted with 10 participants in the intervention group to document user experience.Results: Fourteen women participated in focus group discussions online.Consensus was that app would be useful/ appreciated; most indicated they would read text messages and engage in other app features, including social support features.In the pilot n = 60 were randomly assigned to the intervention (I) (n = 23) or control (C) (n = 37).At 3 months assessment 95% of those in the I were currently BF compared to 83% of C; 95% of those in the I were BF more than 80% of the time compared to 78% of C (NS).Mean increase in scores for BF self-efficacy was 7.1 for those in the I and 3.9 for those in the C (NS).Interviews revealed that mothers appreciated the private group social support page to communicate with others, often in the middle of the night and for information watched 2-minute videos of pediatrician's advice on BF topics.Conclusions: Data suggest important trends that show exposure to an app for first time mothers has potential to increase both self-efficacy and BF.Expanded research with a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted to establish the efficacy of using MMM to support exclusive breastingfeeding.