::INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES::

CODEN : IAJPBB
issn 2349-7750

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TITLE:

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF BREASTFEEDING AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

AUTHORS:

Dr Zainab Amin, Dr Iram Asghar Gill, Dr Saher Naeem

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: The importance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers are globally recognized. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the act of feeding the infant only breast milk, with no supplemental liquids or solids except for liquid medicine or vitamin/mineral supplements. Aims and objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the knowledge, attitudes and practices of breastfeeding among medical students. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Washington University of Health and Science during March 2019 to January 2020. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies and comprised four sections. These sections address socio demographic information (age, department, and year of study), breastfeeding exposure and future intentions, breastfeeding knowledge scale, and attitude scale. Results: One hundred and twenty-four of 150 students completed the survey, with a response rate of 91.8%. Sixty-nine percent of the students were <22 years old, with a mean age of 20.6 ± 1.38 years. Seventy-two percent of the students reported that they were breastfed in their infancy, 94% knew someone who breastfed, 94% had ever witnessed a woman breastfeeding, and 82% wanted their future child to be breastfed. Breastfeeding knowledge scores ranged from 2.99 to 14, with a mean score of 9.51 ± 2.63. Conclusion: It is concluded that female university students have good knowledge and positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. However, there were misconceptions about breastfeeding that should be addressed through appropriate education and promotion programs.