Father’s knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding

Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research and Review - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 10

Abstract

Introduction: A father’s knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding are very important for the success of breastfeeding practices. There is no uniform practice of including them in the education sessions in our country. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding among fathers of infants aged 6 months to 2 years attending well baby clinic. Material and Method: A cross sectional study with convenient sampling was conducted on 93 fathers. A self-administered, pretested and pre-validated questionnaire with regards to breastfeeding practices was then distributed among the fathers. Results: 93 respondents completed this study. 70 fathers (75.3%) had babies exclusively breast fed between 4-6 months of age. 54 fathers (58.1%) had knowledge about breastfeeding before baby’s birth and 68 (73.1%) were keen to get more information after baby’s birth. 90 fathers (96.8%) felt that they got required information , but only 34 (36.6.%) had received education from health care providers. Knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding (n=84), breast milk superiority, (n=86), emotional bonding created by breastfeeding (n=70) was adequate in most. Father’s age, education status, occupation, family type had no influence on knowledge or attitude. Father’s whose child was born by caesarean section or had co morbidities in neonatal period had better knowledge and positive attitude. Fathers with better knowledge had positive attitude towards breastfeeding, but this had no influence on duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Father’s knowledge was positively affected by health care exposure and education. Fathers with good knowledge had positive attitude towards breast feeding. Hence they should be included in discussions regarding breastfeeding in antenatal counselling.

Authors and Affiliations

Abhinaya Abhinaya, T. S. Arunprasath, L. N. Padmasani

Keywords

Related Articles

A study to assess the knowledge and practice regarding aseptic technique adopted during labour among staff nurses

Background: Aseptic technique is a set of specific practices and procedures performed control condition with the goal of minimizing sepsis. Pathogens may introduce infection through contact with the environment, personal...

Effects of Escitalopram on C reactive protein in patients of depression

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory activity of Escitalopram in newly diagnosed patients of depression. Materials and Methods: 100 Newly diagnosed patients of Depression as per ICD 10 (International classification...

Comparison of two different doses of Epidural Butorphanol in Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgery

Introduction: Epidural and spinal anaesthesia both are effective alternative to general anaesthesia when surgical site is located in lower extremities. When post operative analgesia is required epidural anaesthesia is th...

A study of functional outcome in intertrochanteric femur fractures treated by proximal femoral nailing

Introduction: Intertrochanteric femur fracture is one of the most common fractures of the hip especially in the elderly with osteoporotic bones, usually due to trivial trauma. Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) is still considered...

Predictors of long term survival after surgical resection in carcinoma gall bladder

Background-Carcinoma of the gallbladder is known to be associated with a dismal prognosis, with majority of patients presenting at late stages. Controversies still exist regarding the optimal management and the extent of...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP231455
  • DOI 10.17511
  • Views 78
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Abhinaya Abhinaya, T. S. Arunprasath, L. N. Padmasani (2016). Father’s knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding. International Journal of Medical Research and Review, 4(10), 1778-1785. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-231455