Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Mothers on Breastfeeding Benefits in Peri- Urban Lahore: IMNCI-C Focus

Abstract

Objective: The objective of current study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of breast-feeding
benefits among mothers in peri urban area of Lahore.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in Shah di Khoi, a peri urban area in Lahore, Johar Town.From 1250 mothers of 2932 under five children of locality, 180 respondents were enrolled by the systematic sampling technique. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices of breastfeeding among participants was collected. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24 for outcome variables of knowledge and age-appropriate breast-feeding practices, means and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for numerical data and frequencies and percentages for categorical data. The chi square test was applied for statistical significance with a p value at <0.05.
Results: A majority 164 (91.1%) mothers had adequate knowledge of general benefits of breast milk whereas
104 (60.5%) mothers practised age-appropriate breast feeding. The adequate maternal knowledge of breastfeeding
was statistically associated with age-appropriate breastfeeding practices among mothers determined by the
Chi-square test. (χ2=6.299) (p=0.012)
Conclusion: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of breastfeeding among women. Despite women displaying good knowledge (91%) and positive attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding, there existed a notable gap in age-appropriate breastfeeding practices (60.5%).
Keywords: Knowledge, Breast-feeding, Benefits, Mother, Baby.