Knowledge and Attitude on Breastfeeding Practices among Medical Students in South India

Abstract

The study was performed to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students about breastfeeding. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 104 students in their first and final years. The study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The average age of study participants is 20.311.83. The majority of the study participants were female (63, 60.6%), and 63, 59.4%, belonged to the first year. 99% of the students are aware that mother’s milk is the best food for babies. Only 29.8% of students were aware of breastfeeding when a baby has diarrhea, and there is also poor knowledge about latching methods. 54.8% of students knew that breastfeeding reduces the risk of pregnancy. The overall knowledge was good, and when compared, final-year students and females performed better than the other groups. Medical students, as future physicians, will be at the forefront of assisting mothers with breastfeeding issues. Because these students will become an important cadre of health professionals, the medical curriculum should place a strong emphasis on nutrition counseling for mothers and children. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Medical Students