Assessment of mothers' knowledge about breast-feeding and determining predictors

Abstract

Breast feeding continues to have practical and psychological advantages that should be considered when the mother selects the breast milk for feeding. The study aims to assess mother's knowledge about breast feeding and it's predictors. A cross sectional study which was carried out in Ibn – Al Atheer Pediatric Teaching Hospital, for the period from 1/1/2008 – 1/4/2008. Hundred mothers who accompanied their children admitted to Ibn- Alatheer pediatric teaching hospital for various reasons. Data were collected by using a valid and reliable questionnaire form prepared for the purpose. It includes 4 parts that comprised demographic particulars of the included mothers and a scale to test mother's knowledge. Ordinary percentages were used to clarify results of knowledge assessment variables. Forward Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of good knowledge regarding breastfeeding. The present study revealed that the study sample posses a various degree of knowledge regarding infant's and mother's advantages of breast feeding and it's contraindications . Several predictors of good knowledge were emerged . These are: high mother's educational background, high socioeconomic status of the family, governmental employment of the fathers and increased number of children. The study recommends that there is a necessity to promote mother's knowledge about the importance of breast feeding in the assessed domains i.e. benefits for mothers, infants and contraindications.