Factors associated with the level of knowledge about breastfeeding

Abstract

Abstract Background In Mexico, 95.6% of children under 2 years of age are breastfed at least once in their lifetime; however, only 28.6% are exclusively breastfed and 40.2% are predominantly breastfed up to 6 months of age. Mothers who do not breastfeed their children or abandon breastfeeding before 6 months of age give reasons that suggest lack of knowledge or lack of support. Aim to determine the factors associated with a high or higher level of knowledge about breastfeeding in women in Veracruz, Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional, prospective, observational and comparative study was carried out. Women between 18 and 35 years old, from Veracruz, Mexico were included, between July to December 2020. Virtual surveys were applied through social networks, using a non-probabilistic sampling, evaluating knowledge about breastfeeding through the application of the ‘Breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire', and its interpretation is carried out at four levels of knowledge: poor, regular, high and very high (Cronbach's alpha of 0.722). Results 1241 participants were included. The patients showed high or greater knowledge in 1057 (85.1%) cases. Having school as the main source of information for breastfeeding, reported an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95%CI 1.05-2.2) and having intentions to exclusively breastfeed in the next pregnancy had an OR of 1.7 (95% CI 12 .-2.4), while obtaining the information through friends, family or acquaintances had an OR of 0.6 (95% CI 0.4-0.8), both with p values <0.05. Marital status, educational level, age, occupation, religion, having medical attention through social security, the number of children, receiving information about breastfeeding from a health institution, from social networks or looking independently had p values > 0.05; Conclusions The high level of knowledge is positively associated with the information received at school from while it is negatively associated with having family or friends as the main sources of information. Key messages The high level of knowledge is positively associated with the information received at school. The high level of knowledge is negatively associated with having family or friends as the main sources of information.