Breastfeeding Knowledge Research Articles

Prenatal Breastfeeding Counseling Intervention in Women with Pre-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Data on breastfeeding rates and targeted interventions in women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus are inconclusive. The aim of the study was to evaluate breastfeeding rates up to one year postpartum and whether targeted counseling towards the end of pregnancy can impact breastfeeding rates and duration. An additional goal was to evaluate whether counseling affected women’s perceptions regarding breastfeeding. Methods: Women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus were cluster-randomized between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, either to face-to-face instruction with a certified lactation consultant or to receive written information on breastfeeding. Thirty-eight women without diabetes served as controls and were given written information on breastfeeding. All women filled out a questionnaire regarding intended breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and perceptions, before intervention and at three, six, and twelve months post-partum. Results: Fifty-two women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus consented to participate. All completed the questionnaires, 26 in each group. At three, six, and twelve months postpartum, rates of any breastfeeding were around 60%, 50%, and 30%, respectively. Approximately one-third breastfed exclusively in each group at three and six months. No significant difference in breastfeeding rates was noted between face-to-face instruction, written information, and controls. End-of-pregnancy counseling improved confidence in breastfeeding knowledge and confidence in being able to manage blood glucose. Conclusions: Breastfeeding rates in pre-gestational diabetes mellitus were comparable to those of women without diabetes and were unchanged by mode of instruction at the end of pregnancy. However, targeted diabetes-oriented breastfeeding instruction at the end of pregnancy improved knowledge and confidence among women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus.

Scoping Review: Inhibiting and Supporting Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Teenage Moms

Breast milk has a very important role and is the best nutrition in preventing the onset of disease, and it can save lives and provide healthy growth and development during the first 1000 days of life. Findings in several studies show that adolescent mothers have a shorter duration of breastfeeding and have a lower proportion of breastfeeding initiation when compared to adult mothers, so this scoping review aims to review the inhibiting and supporting factors in adolescent mothers in breastfeeding. This scoping review method uses the Arksey &; O'Malley framework, which was developed using the PEOs framework; in searching and selecting articles through relevant databases, namely Pubmed, Ebsco, and Wiley, and using Grey Literature through Google Scholar; The literature search process used PRISMA Flowchart, and found that from 73 articles there were 7 articles selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings based on inhibiting factors show that adolescent mothers lack knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, practical knowledge in breastfeeding, difficult childbirth or other maternal complications, while supporting factors include maternal education, husband desires and support and support. It can be concluded that previous studies show that breastfeeding among adolescent mothers still requires special attention, which is related to inhibiting factors and very diverse supporting factors that occur among adolescent mothers

Determinants of health care worker breastfeeding experience and practices and their association with provision of care for breastfeeding mothers: a mixed-methods study from Northern Thailand

BackgroundImproving breastfeeding rates is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent infant deaths, but most of the world falls far below WHO recommended breastfeeding practices. Confident, informed healthcare workers are an important resource to promote breastfeeding, but healthcare workers are at risk of early breastfeeding cessation themselves. Culture, ethnicity and socio-economic status impact breastfeeding rates with some of the highest and lowest rates in Southeast Asia reported from Thailand. This study explores the relationship between workplace determinants of breastfeeding, personal breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers, and the breastfeeding care healthcare workers provide their patients.MethodsThis study used a sequential exploratory design guided by a conceptual framework based on social ecological/ecological psychology models. Participants came from four clinical sites in Northern Thailand, from ethnically Burman or Karen communities with high breastfeeding rates, and Thai communities with low breastfeeding rates. In-depth interviews (July 2020-November 2020) were followed by a quantitative survey (November 2020-July 2021) derived from validated questionnaires (Australian Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale) with minor local adaptations.ResultsInterviews highlighted the beneficial effects of supportive workplace policies, the importance of physical spaces to facilitate proximity between mothers and infants, and the problem of low milk production. Meeting the WHO recommended practices of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months or total breastfeeding to 2 years or more was more common in sites with higher levels of breastfeeding support (aOR 7.3, 95%CI 1.8, 29.1 for exclusive breastfeeding). Exclusive breastfeeding was also higher when staff set breastfeeding goals (aOR 4.4, 95%CI 1.7, 11.5). Staff who were able to see their infants during the work day were less likely to terminate breastfeeding because of work (aOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1, 0.8). Staff who met both WHO recommendations themselves were more likely to report high levels of confidence caring for breastfeeding patients (aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1, 6.4).ConclusionsWorkplace protections including supportive maternity leave policies and child-friendly spaces can improve breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers. These improved outcomes are then passed on to patients who benefit from healthcare workers who are more confident and attentive to breastfeeding problems.

Timing theory integrated nursing combined behavior change integrated theory of nursing on primiparous influence.

The comprehension and utilization of timing theory and behavior change can offer a more extensive and individualized provision of support and treatment alternatives for primipara. This has the potential to enhance the psychological well-being and overall quality of life for primipara, while also furnishing healthcare providers with efficacious interventions to tackle the psychological and physiological obstacles encountered during the stages of pregnancy and postpartum. To explore the effect of timing theory combined with behavior change on self-efficacy, negative emotions and quality of life in patients with primipara. A total of 80 primipara cases were selected and admitted to our hospital between August 2020 and May 2022. These cases were divided into two groups, namely the observation group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. The nursing interventions differed between the two groups, with the control group receiving routine nursing and the observation group receiving integrated nursing based on the timing theory and behavior change. The study aimed to compare the pre- and post-nursing scores of Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), breast milk knowledge, self-efficacy, and SF-36 quality of life in both groups. After nursing, the CPSS, EPDS, and SAS scores of the two groups was significantly lower than that before nursing, and the CPSS, EPDS, and SAS scores of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = 0.002, P = 0.011, and P = 0.001 respectively). After nursing, the breastfeeding knowledge mastery, self-efficacy, and SF-36 quality of life scores was significantly higher than that before nursing, and the breastfeeding knowledge mastery (P = 0.013), self-efficacy (P = 0.008), and SF-36 quality of life (P = 0.011) scores of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The integration of timing theory and behavior change integrated theory has been found to be an effective approach in alleviating negative mood and stress experienced by primipara individuals, while also enhancing their self-efficacy and overall quality of life. This study focuses on the key concepts of timing theory, behavior change, primipara individuals, negative mood, and quality of life.

The Relationship of Public Mother's Knowledge about Breast Care and the Flowness of Breast Milk in the Watampone Health Center

Breast care is care that should be done to prepare the breasts so they are in good condition when breastfeeding the baby. In Indonesia, the incidence of mastitis and sore nipples in 2019 was 55% due to errors in breast care, which was found to be 46%. The incidence of postpartum mothers experiencing abscesses in Indonesia in 2019 was 10% due to low knowledge of mothers in breast care. This study aims to determine the relationship between postpartum mothers' knowledge about breast care and smooth breastfeeding at the Watampone health center. This type of research is included in Quantitative research. The type of research used is analytical observational. The population in this study were all postpartum mothers who were at the Watampone Community Health Center UPT and the total sample was 46 people. The results of this study show that of the 46 respondents with good knowledge of breast care and experiencing smooth breastfeeding, there were 10 people (21.7%), while the number of respondents with poor knowledge and experiencing non-fluent breastfeeding was 36 people (78.3%). That there is a significant relationship between knowledge of breast care and smooth breastfeeding in Postpartum mothers at the Watampone Community Health Center UPT. This was proven through Continuity Correction, p-v 549 was obtained, which means there is a relationship between mother's knowledge and smooth breastfeeding at the Watampone health center. In the Lack of Knowledge category, there were 25 people (54.4%).

The effectiveness of online breastfeeding education and support program on mothers of preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study

ObjectiveTo develop a WeChat-mini-program-based Online breastfeeding education and support program and explore its impacts on promoting mothers of preterm infants’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and rates. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a quasi-experimentation with two-group comparisons. The eligible preterm mother-infant pairs were recruited from the NICU within seven days postpartum. The first 25 mothers admitted to the NICU during the study period were included in the control group, and the following 25 mothers were in the intervention group according to the admission order of their preterm infants. A generalized linear mixed model was used to detect the effects of the online intervention program and the interaction effects of group and time. InterventionsThe participants received a 3-month online breastfeeding intervention from a WeChat mini program for the intervention group. MeasurementsMothers of preterm infants’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates of different patterns were respectively evaluated by the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire (BKQ), Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) at three different points of times including before intervention (T0), at one month postpartum (T1) and three months postpartum (T2). FindingsThe breastfeeding knowledge significantly differed between the two groups but without differences between different time points and in the grouping*time interaction. Within the intervention group, significant improvements were observed from T0 to T2 and T1 to T2. No significant differences in breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates were found between and within groups. Key conclusionsThe WeChat-mini-program-based online breastfeeding intervention may improve the breastfeeding knowledge level of mothers of preterm infants but has no significant impact on mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates. Implications for practiceThe WeChat mini program can be used to improve the breastfeeding knowledge level of mothers of preterm infants. Future interventions need to target both mothers of preterm infants and their family members by combing online and offline approaches.

Modern baby breastfeeding trends

Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant care that provides numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. The socio-cultural changes of the 21st century require optimisation of this practice and research into the physiological stages of milk secretion, including the hormonal regulation of lactation and factors that influence breast secretion, which is crucial for supporting breastfeeding and improving the overall well-being of infants and mothers. The purpose of the work was to investigate current views on breastfeeding support through a comprehensive review of the existing literature, with a particular focus on studies on the physiological stages of milk secretion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We used bibliographic, analytical and regulatory search methods. The review contributes to the deepening of knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding, emphasising its importance for newborn care and maternal well-being. The material covers a wide range of factors that influence lactation as a physiological process and breastfeeding as a social practice. The findings highlight the physiological basis of the lactation process: the key role of prolactin and oxytocin in initiating and maintaining milk secretion, internal (hormonal imbalances, breast anatomy and surgery), and external factors such as the mother’s somatic condition, including gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. The positive aspects of breastfeeding for both the child and the mother are analysed. The various positive effects of this practice on the child are considered, including the most favourable balance of nutrients in the mother’s milk, the formation of passive immunity and the maintenance of a healthy intestinal microbiota. Particular attention is paid to the changing views on infant feeding in light of social and economic changes in the early 21st century, including the growing role of artificial formula and the challenges of natural feeding in the workplace. Practical implications: it provides a basis for developing evidence-based interventions to improve the breastfeeding experience and well-being of both infants and mothers while informing healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support groups.

A Community Based Study on Various Aspects of Breast-Feeding Practices from Central India

Background: For optimum growth and development of newborns breastfeeding is of utmost importance.Identification of breastfeeding practise gaps need to be identified and filled. This study was undertaken to explorethe breastfeeding practices, influence of literacy and prevailing cultural factors on different aspects of breastfeeding.Materials and Methods: Complete line listing of 576 breastfeeding women in the study area was done. Thenthe study subjects were interviewed by making house to house visits. Data was gathered on the participant’sdemographics, breastfeeding knowledge, and practices. Privacy was maintained while conducting the interview.Anonymity and confidentiality were ensured to the study participants.Results: Data of 550 study participants was analyzed and presented here. 377 (68.5%) could not practice timelyinitiation of breast feeding. Most common reason (264, 70%) for the same was insufficient knowledge about it.Exclusive breast feeding was practiced by merely 44 (8%) subjects. Not good for health of newborn (108, 36.7%),not easily digested by the newborn (thick) (85, 28.9%) and myths prevalent in society (64, 21.8%) were three mostcommon reasons for discarding colostrum by mothers. Lower socio-economic status, muslim religion and jointfamily were found to be associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion: The issue of lower prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding continuesto persist in the study area. Still, colostrum is being discarded. Tailored and region specific health promotionactivities must be intensified in this regard by grass root level health care workers.

Qualitative research on the cognition of breastfeeding knowledge in primiparas during pregnancy.

In view of the lack of attention and predictability in postpartum breastfeeding in primiparas, health education on breastfeeding during pregnancy should be carried out to publicize the benefits of breastfeeding. To investigate how well the primiparas during pregnancy are known of breastfeeding knowledge, and to provide a basis for developing health education measures for them. With the adoption of the objective sampling method and the principle of saturation, 10 primiparas in the obstetrics outpatient department of the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital were selected as the study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews combined with the observation method were used for data collection. The interview data were analyzed and the theme was refined by Colaizzi's seven-step method. The results of the four themes of the cognition of breastfeeding knowledge among primiparas were as follows: Lack of knowledge and curiosity about breastfeeding in some women, lack of access to correct breastfeeding knowledge, insufficient support from family members for postpartum breastfeeding, and lack of approach to solve problems during breastfeeding among primiparas. Due to the current problems of the cognition of breastfeeding knowledge in primiparas, it was imperative to build a health education model suitable for primiparas to improve this knowledge.

Breastfeeding experience of postnatal mothers separated from preterm infants after discharge: a phenomenology qualitative approach

BackgroundBreastfeeding practices are influenced by the maternal-infant bond relationship. Mothers of preterm infants in the puerperium face many challenges and support is needed to maintain breastfeeding after hospital discharge. This study explored the breastfeeding experiences among mothers of preterm infants and challenges that influenced their breastfeeding practices.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach was used involving the mothers of preterm infants during the puerperium in Shanghai who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. The mothers were recruited using purposive sampling. Eighteen participants were interviewed using semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews were recorded in digital audio, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe breastfeeding experience among mothers of preterm infants included four themes: breastfeeding motivation, breastfeeding challenges, breastfeeding support and education, and response to parental stress. Breastfeeding challenges included perceived insufficient milk, bottle preference, and maternal-infant separation. Two sub-themes of breastfeeding support included breastfeeding knowledge and approach.ConclusionTo overcome breastfeeding challenges and improve the breastfeeding rate of preterm infants after discharge, medical professionals must develop individualized breastfeeding plans based on a comprehensive assessment of the needs of mothers who delivered a preterm infant.

Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Nursing Mothers in Afijio Local Government Area, Southwest, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is public health intervention strategy for child health development and growth from birth to weaning period. It is recommended for nursing mothers during Health promotion sessions by Health Educators according to WHO AND UNICEF guidelines at various health facilities. Nigeria recorded 17.5% prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding despite regional variations. This is relatively low to WHO recommendations. Hitherto no study has been conducted in Afijio Local Government, South west of Nigeria for prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Hence the aim of this study is to evaluate Knowledge, Altitude and Practice of exclusive breastfeeding by distribution of questionnaires to nursing mothers in Afijio Local Government areas. Methodology: a cross sectional study of randomly selected 172 nursing mothers from Ilora, Awe, Jobele/ Akinmoorin and Fiditi of Afijio Local Government Area. Data analysis was employed by frequency, relative frequency and simple percentage. Results: A total number of 172 nursing mothers were interviewed with mean age of 33 ± 4.0 years. The literacy level is 97%. The employment rate is 65%. Formal education received on knowledge of exclusive breast feeding by respondents (Prevalence) is 89.0 %. The altitude of the participants on benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is 78.5%. Finally, practice of breastfeeding especially within first hours of birth is 84%. Conclusion: There is need for more support from local government’s health authority on exclusive breast feeding in Afijio Local Government Areas. Thus training courses should be provided to skilled birth attendants for skilled support to breastfeeding mothers.

Knowledge and Practices of Home Diarrhoea Management among Adolescent Mothers with under Five Children in Nyando SubCounty, Kisumu, Kenya

Background: Globally, diarrhea is the primary cause of death for children under the age of five. In Kenya, it continues to be a significant source of illness and mortality in this age range. Mothers play crucial roles in the prevention and control of diarrhea among these children by practicing easy home management. Aim: This study aimed to assess adolescent mothers’ knowledge, and practice in the prevention and home management of diarrhoeal diseases among children under five years old in Nyando sub-county, Kenya Setting: This study was conducted in Nyando sub-county, Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: A mixed method descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted using a Proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and interview guides and analysed using STATA version 16 to generate the tables and bar graphs. NVivo version 12 was used to analyse the qualitative data adopting thematic analysis approach. Results: Boiling of drinking water was a common practice as reported by majority (75.8%, n= 216) of the participants. A total of 94 mothers (33.0%) expressed knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding while 10.5% (n=30) indicated maintenance of cleanliness as methods. These adolescent mothers practiced continued feeding and breastfeeding during diarrhoea episodes. In addition, the use suboptimal diarrhoea management practices such as food restriction and use of traditional herbs was practiced among the study participants. Conclusion: Continued feeding and breastfeeding during diarrhoea episodes were identified as appropriate management practices and were significant in preventing dehydration as well as increased vulnerability to malnutrition. There is also need of creating awareness of other diarrhoea management practices such as the use of banana and yoghurt as well as demystifying the use of traditional herbs in diarrhoea management.

Acceptability and effect of ShishuPoshan mHealth application on knowledge, attitudes and practice of breastfeeding among primi mothers availing postnatal care at a rural tertiary hospital.

ShishuPoshan is a free Android application for mothers that provides scientific guidance on breastfeeding and baby care issues in the local language. We aimed to assess its effect and acceptability in primi mothers in a rural area of Maharashtra, India. A before and after study was conducted in 50 primi mothers to study the acceptability and effect of ShishuPoshan mHealth application on knowledge, attitude and practice about breastfeeding in primi mothers in a rural tertiary care hospital. Most participants (84%) downloaded the application, and 60% used it regularly. Major reason for not using the app was discomfort with mobile phone (7%) and not having anyone to read the content in the house (7%). The application was easy to use by 48%, and 10% did not find time to use it. Enablers were regional language, easy-to-understand content, simple interface, and frequently asked question (FAQ) format to give information. Barriers to adoption were that women preferred tips from family members, were uncomfortable with mobile phones, and did not have anyone to help them use them. It successfully delivered key messages like exclusive breastfeeding, colostrum use, proper maternal nutrition, and demand to feed, but it needs to further emphasise early initiation of feeding. Incorporation of feedback like adding videos, myth busters, and making app more interactive may further improve its effectiveness. mHealth interventions like ShishuPoshan are promising modalities for the dissemination of appropriate information.

The practice of key messages for optimal breastfeeding and associated factors among lactating mothers in the Boset District, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Inadequate breastfeeding can lead to significant morbidity, mortality, and long-term adverse health outcomes. Key messages promoting optimal breastfeeding are integral to Essential Nutritional Action, aimed at improving children's nutritional status, especially those under the age of two. However, there is a dearth of data regarding the extent to which lactating mothers adhere to these key messages and the associated factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of practice of key messages for optimal breastfeeding and identify associated factors among lactating mothers living in the Boset District, Oromia, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 lactating mothers from January 1st to February 28th, 2022. The participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique, and data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between independent and dependent variables. Adjusted Odds Ratios with a 95% confidence interval were used to estimate the strength of the associations and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. The overall level of practice of key messages for optimal breastfeeding was 63.9% (95% CI: 59.1-68.2). The odds of practicing key messages for optimal breastfeeding were higher for mothers who attended antenatal care four times or more (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.3), received counseling on breastfeeding during postnatal care (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2-6.4), had a good knowledge of breastfeeding (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 3.6-10.7), and had a favorable attitude toward breastfeeding (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: 3.5-10.6). Breastfeeding key message practices among lactating mothers in the study area fell below the recommended universal coverage of 90%. Factors identified included the number of antenatal care visits, counseling on breastfeeding, level of knowledge, and attitude toward breastfeeding. Promoting regular antenatal visits, providing thorough postnatal counseling, and enhancing knowledge and attitudes are crucial for improving optimal breastfeeding practices.

Changing maternal and child nutrition practices through integrating social and behavior change interventions in community-based self-help and support groups: literature review from Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam.

Self-help groups (SHGs) and Support Groups (SGs) are increasingly recognized as effective mechanisms for improving maternal and young child nutrition due to their decentralized, community-based structures. While numerous studies have evaluated the outcomes and impact of SHGs and SGs on nutrition practices, there remains a gap in the literature. To address this, we conducted a literature review to examine the role of SHGs and SGs in improving health and nutrition outcomes, focusing on marginalized women, especially pregnant and lactating women (PLW), in India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, with an emphasis on programs supported by the international non-governmental initiative, Alive & Thrive. We conducted a literature review to assess various models, summarizing findings from 34 documents, including research studies, evaluation reports, program materials, strategies, annual reports, work plans, and toolkits. Relevant information from these documents was extracted using predetermined forms. In India, the models used SHGs with 10-20 women, federated into larger village and district organizations. Bangladesh and Vietnam SGs have similar structures but with local leaders and committees playing key roles. In all three countries, interventions aimed to improve health and nutrition practices through social behavior change (SBC) interventions, including peer-to-peer learning, interpersonal communication, home visits, and community meetings. Outcomes of the interventions showed that SHG members had increased knowledge of breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and improved dietary diversity compared to non-SHG participants. Interventions helped improve infant and young child feeding practices. Common challenges included sustaining the SHGs, ensuring adequate participation, socio-cultural barriers, and logistical difficulties in reaching PLW in remote areas. Limited time for health topics during SHG meetings and the dissolution of older SHGs were also significant issues. SHG and SG models demonstrate success in improving health and nutrition outcomes but face challenges in scale, sustainability, and participation. Integrating nutrition-focused SBC interventions into SHGs and SGs requires significant capacity building for technical and counseling skills. Ensuring comprehensive coverage and robust quality assessment during community-based rollouts is essential. To sustain these interventions, it is crucial to prevent group dissolution, allow time for maturation, and secure strong stakeholder engagement and political support.

150 Looking for a blueprint for changing patient behavior: Group Prenatal Care improves breastfeeding knowledge

150 Looking for a blueprint for changing patient behavior: Group Prenatal Care improves breastfeeding knowledge

Assessing exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practice among women in Mbeya, Southwest Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionInadequate infant feeding practices pose a significant social and economic development barrier and a serious health threat for children under five worldwide. Although over 90 % of African children aged 0–5 years are breastfed, in many countries, including Tanzania, less than half of infants aged 0–6 months receive exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as recommended by the World Health Organization. ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices regarding EBF among women in Mbeya. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among women with children under six months attending the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinic at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) in August 2022. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Recorded information included age, level of education, marital status, occupation, number of children and other factors associated with EBF. ResultsOf 371 respondents, 77.4 % had prior knowledge of EBF. However, only 52.8 % reported practicing it, while 47.2 % did not. Knowledge of EBF was significantly associated with its practice (p < 0.001). The number of children was also significantly associated with EBF practice (p = 0.002). Understanding the importance of breastfeeding was significantly associated with EBF practice (p < 0.001), as did demographic factors (p < 0.001). However, respondent age was not significantly associated with EBF practice (p = 0.643). ConclusionThe study revealed a slightly lower EBF prevalence than the national estimate, indicating a public health concern in Mbeya. Findings highlight the need for continued education and support to promote EBF among women.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breastfeeding among Mothers with Children Below Two Years Old in Terengganu

Breast milk is an ideal food for infants because it contains essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antibodies which are vital for the infants’ optimal growth, development and health. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of breastfeeding among mothers with children below two years old in Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu, and to further assess the association between KAP and stunting. Anthropometric measurement of the children consists of weight and length/height, where the cut-off for Length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ) is considered as stunted if the score is below -2SD while it is considered as severe stunted if the score is below -3SD. Questionnaires containing two parts: sociodemographic characteristics and validated Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of breastfeeding questionnaires. A total of 228 respondents with the mean age of 31.5±4.7 years for the mothers and 1.41±0.8 months for children were recruited in this study. More than half (51.8%) of the respondents received tertiary education. Most of the respondents’ household categories were in B40 income group (85.1%), followed by M40 (14.5%) and T20 (0.4%). For children, 50.9% were boys while another 49.1% were girls. The prevalence of stunting among children below two years old in Terengganu was 25.5%. Next, the majority of the respondents had moderate knowledge (55.7%), neutral attitude (60.1%) and fair practice (45.2%) of breastfeeding. However, there was no significant association between KAP of breastfeeding and stunting status (p&gt;0.05). Therefore, it is important to design strategies for promoting breastfeeding among mothers so that it can improve their knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding and its practices. Besides, urgent action is needed to reduce the number of stunted children below two years old in Terengganu.

MAHASISWA SEBAGAI PENUNJANG KEBERHASILAN PEMBERIAN ASI

Current counseling in health services does not involve other families, so mothers often do not receive support. Family support plays an important role in the success of breastfeeding. Counseling provided to mothers and families will increase knowledge and support for successful breastfeeding of their babies. Counseling can be done by a breastfeeding counselor at a health service. The performance of breastfeeding counselors is not optimal due to lack of work motivation caused by lack of financial support, lack of supervision, excessive workload due to the absence of special assignments as counselors. Students who are prospective health workers have good potential if guided to become counselors. Fun Home Counseling is a counseling activity that involves mothers and all families in the house to increase knowledge and support so that coverage of breastfeeding can be increased and will prevent stunting in Makassar City. To determine the effect of counseling on breastfeeding practices in Makassar City. This research is a pre-experimental research in the form of a post test group design. The population is all pregnant women in the Paccerakkang and Sudiang Raya Community Health Center working areas. The samples were mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy, permanent residents in the research area and participating in all counseling activities. The number of respondents in both groups was 16 people, but those who followed until the baby was 1 month old were 11 people in the counseling group and 14 people in the counseling group. The effect of counseling on breastfeeding practices using the Chi Square Test. There are no differences in employment, maternal nutritional status, number of parities, place of delivery, delivery process, Early Breastfeeding Initiation ((MD), breastfeeding assistance, postnatal intake, and intake at 14 days of age but different in breastfeeding at 1 months in counseling and counseling groups.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of childbearing age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to 6 months. Despite the importance of breast milk, EBF is far less prevalent in Nigeria than is recommended for developing countries. Worse still, the odds of EBF practice are very low in rural communities. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF as well as identify the factors associated with EBF practice among mothers of childbearing age in Chamo town, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional design using a questionnaire to assess the required information. The methodology involved the use of simple random sampling to select mothers of reproductive age from Chamo town, which is a rural community located in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the mother's knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding EBF. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with the practice of EBF. A total of 400 mothers between the ages of 18 and 41 took part in the study. More than half of the participants (57.8%) were between the ages of 26 and 33 and had a primary level of education (30.5%). Only 26.8% of the respondents practice EBF. Those with a tertiary education (AOR = 10.00, p < 0.001), civil servants (AOR = 12.51, p < 0.001), those aware of EBF (AOR = 3.65, p = 0.002), those with correct EBF knowledge (AOR = 4.61, p < 0.001), those with a positive attitude toward EBF demand (AOR = 0.51, p = 0.050), and those who received encouragement from their community (AOR = 9.87, p < 0.001) were more likely to practice EBF. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents' knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF were minimal. This shows the need to step up efforts to educate mothers about the advantages of EBF for both their own health and that of their children while they are in the hospital recovering from childbirth.