Assessment of knowledge of mothers regarding benefits of exclusive breast feeding in mother and children: a hospital based study

Abstract

Breastfeeding, a component of primary health care has been identified world over as greatest protection of child health. Irrespective of the fact that breastfeeding in India is universal, psychological barrier still exist in early breastfeeding. Hence a study was conducted to assess breastfeeding knowledge, practices and factors influencing them among women in Udaipur city of Rajasthan.Objective:1) To study prevalent breastfeeding practices in mother's who have nursed in last five years.2) To assess knowledge of respondents on different issues of breastfeeding. Material and methods: The study was conducted in Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital and its urban and rural health centres. 5oo women who had nursed in last 5 years were interviewed using structured proforma. Results: Our study showed that exclusive breastfeeding and total duration of breastfeeding was not as per the WHO/UNICEF recommendation. Significant differences found in Urban/Rural/Semi urban area.62% mothers were unaware of benefits of breastfeeding to mother though 98% were aware of benefits to child. Conclusion: This study emphasises that mother should be educated and motivated for exclusive breastfeeding their babies for 6 months and continue breastfeeding till 2 years. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers should be explained for this purpose.