Evaluation of North Syrian Women Knowledge, Opinions and Attitudes Regarding Milk Banks and Milk Donation

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate Syrian mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and opinions on milk banks and raise awareness of the opening of milk banks in the region.
 Methods: Our study was conducted hospitals in North Syria between 02/12/2020 and 02/03/2021. 536 women included in our study. Our questionnaire, which was written in Arabic to assess knowledge, opinions and attitudes toward milk donation and milk banks, was administered to participants during face-to-face interviews.
 Results: All participants were female and Muslim, with a mean age of 29.79∓7.69 years. 47.2% of the participants agreed that a milk bank should be established, while 37.5% of the participants were against it. 81.3% women favored establishing a milk bank said that they would use the milk bank if they could not breastfeed (p=0.000). 49.4% were against establishing milk banks due to religious inconvenience. 41.5% of participants who favored establishing a milk bank and 14.4% of those who were against it indicated that the facility would have a positive impact on them under the guarantee of Turkey (p=0.000).
 Conclusion: Due to religious views in Muslim societies, there is a negative attitude toward milk banks. Therefore, establishing robust registration systems, involving religious leaders in the process, providing accurate information, and educating the society will raise awareness and change the negative view.