Organization and Effectiveness of Breast-Feeding Information in Prenatal Consultation Services in Two General Hospitals, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abstract

In Cote d'Ivoire, women's inadequate knowledge of breastfeeding significantly hampers the good process of the practice. Prenatal consultations are meant to constitute a major resource for the acquisition of reliable information on breastfeeding. This study aimed at assessing the organization and effectiveness of prenatal breastfeeding information. Based on a descriptive and analytical study, it aimed at making an evaluation over a period of two months. A whole of 310 women and 42 health personnel took part of the study. The data collected concerned the availability of resources, the practical organization of information to breastfeeding, knowledge and practices, using individual questionnaires and observation grids. This survey allowed to register a low availability of material, documentary and trained staff about breastfeeding in hospitals. The practical organization of the information was marked by inadequate monitoring and evaluation of activities as well as a low level of knowledge attitudes and practices of staff on breastfeeding. Only 35.81% of the women received information on breastfeeding, including more than 50% on breastmilk substitutes in a group session. Women's knowledge about breastfeeding was low and just a few of them, noticeably 34.84% opted for exclusive breastfeeding. The performance score of women's information effectiveness on prenatal breastfeeding was 34.39% which was importantly under the required rate of 75%.The organizational deficit and ineffectiveness of prenatal breastfeeding information in the two general hospitals of Abidjan are a hindrance to the promotion and support of breastfeeding. Thus, more political and health authorities involvement is needed.