Determinants of mothers knowledge about breastfeeding in neonatology intensive care

Abstract

Abstract Background Breastfeeding (BF) is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. In Morocco the BF rate decreased from 51% to 27,8% between 1992 and 2011. The breast feeding rate in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is lower 12,4%. Studies showed if we improve the mothers knowledge, the BF practice rate increase in NICU. We aim to determine associated factors of mothers knowledge about BF in NICU of Ibn Rochd teaching hospital in Casablanca (Morocco). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between 04 January and 23 April 2021 in NICU ward of teaching hospital Ibn Roch of Casablanca (Morocco). We included Moroccan mothers who can practice the BF presents during the study period. We used face to face interview using questionnaire. A scoring system from 0 to 16 points was used to measure the knowledge. The student, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, Kruskal Wallis, Pearson and spearman correlation tests were used to test association between BF and potential associated factors. Associated factors with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as determinants of BF. Data were analyzed using R 3.6.3. Results We included 111 mothers. The mean score of knowledge was 10.38 ± 2.31. Associated factors with BF knowledge were: healthcare staffs support (yes mean score =11.06 and no = 9.72; p = 0.002); getting prior information about BF (yes mean score =10.53 and no = 9; p = 0.012). The knowledge increase with age of mother (correlation coefficient = 0.26; p = 0.005) and parity (correlation coefficient = 0.30; P = 0.001). Conclusions Mothers and specifically younger primiparous should receive more attention from training program and healthcare staffs in NICU to improve the knowledge and practice of BF. Key messages we can enhance significantly the survival and health of newborn hospitalized in NICU by simple actions as advices, encouragement toward the newborn mothers to improve their knowledge about BF. Healthcare staffs and facilities have to be the teachers and school about breast feeding.