KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS

Abstract

Objective: “To determine the frequency of mothers having good knowledge, positive attitude and adherent practice about breastfeeding.”

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Study place and duration: Department of Pediatrics, Avicenna Medical College & Hospital, Lahore for about 3 months (5 March 2025 till 5 June 2025)

Methodology: Mothers fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Pediatric OPD. A face-to-face interview was done and data was recorded in pre-designed questionnaire. Questionnaire contained questions assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards breastfeeding among mothers and responses were noted.

Results: In this study, 147 mothers of mean age 28.62 ± 6.80 years were enrolled with 66 (44.9%) male and 81 (55.1%) female neonates. The mean knowledge score was 5.50 ± 1.38. On the basis of those 107 (74.1%) mothers had good knowledge about breastfeeding. The mean attitude score was noted as 2.93 ± 1.22. On the basis of those 117 (79.6%) mothers had positive attitude towards breastfeeding. The mean practice score was noted as 2.56 ± 1.07. On the basis of those 79 (53.7%) mothers had adherent practice towards breastfeeding.

Conclusion: It is concluded that in local population, more than 70% mothers had good knowledge and positive attitude towards breastfeeding. But still there is a need to improve the knowledge to further improve the practice of breastfeeding.