Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of a Private Hospital at Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) starting within one hour of birth until a baby is six months old to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Breastfeeding can be continued up to 2 years of age, completed with nutritious complementary foods and water. The rate remains low in many countries, including Malaysia. It is important to understand barriers of exclusive breast feeding to tackle these issues and improve maternal and child health. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021, including all mothers with children aged 1 to 36 months attending the paediatric clinic in KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Sarawak. In this study, data were collected using an eelectronic questionnaire via Google form and compiled with Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23. A total of 351 questionnaires were completed. Overall findings on the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers showed 92.3% agreed breastfeeding helps reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and 94.3% showed exclusive breastfeeding must be practised until the infant is six months old. There was a significant relationship between maternal age and knowledge (p-value 0.013), employment status and the relationship between knowledge (p-value 0.001), monthly household and attitude (0.021). Attentive education for primigravida and widespread local community education and support may help improve breastfeeding continuation rates. The provision of workplace facilities by providing workplace day care may assist in overcoming the barriers to preventing exclusive breastfeeding continuation once back at work.