KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF MOTHERS REGARDING BREASTFEEDING: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN SELECTED RURAL AREA OF MANDYA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is the safest, economic and the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. The prevalence of exclusive and adequate breastfeeding practices is still lower in many countries. Inadequate knowledge and inappropriate practice of breastfeeding is a major issue and it may cause undesirable consequences. Objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude & practices regarding breast feeding among lactating mothers having children <= 1 year in Keregodu PHC area and to study the determinants of breast feeding practices in the study area.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre, Keregodu. 104 mothers from 4 sub centres having children <1year age group were included in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Results: The study revealed that all the 104 (100%) children were breastfed. But only 33 (31.7%) had the knowledge about exclusive breast feeding. Attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding was favourable 95 (91.3%). Only 14 (13.5%) were practising demand feeding. Conclusion: Mothers had poor knowledge, but favourable attitude regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices. But there is a gap between attitude and practice which needs to be addressed. So pregnant women need to be made aware of benefits of breastfeeding and proper feeding techniques during antenatal period.
Authors and Affiliations
Sindhu Thomas, Poornima S, Vinay M
Keywords
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