Health professionals' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia: Greek version of a specific rating scale

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the optimal feeding mode for the mother and her child. The pregnancy rates of mothers with schizophrenia do not differ significantly from those of the general population. However, research on breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia is extremely limited. The current study aims to explore the health professionals' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia in Greece and to examine the validity and reliability of the Greek version of a specific rating scale for further research on attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. This study had a cross-sectional descriptive design and the participants were health professionals working closely with women/mothers at different health care settings in Athens (health visitors, midwives, nurses working in mental health care). Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes regarding breastfeeding, knowledge, feelings and attitudes regarding schizophrenia, professional guidance for women with schizophrenia about breastfeeding; and personal and professional attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. The results of the study showed that health care professionals of different disciplines seemed to have similar positive attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. Professionals that had attended breastfeeding seminars had significantly greater scores on both knowledge of breastfeeding and attitudes towards breastfeeding. Greater scores on attitudes towards women with schizophrenia and attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia were found in those that had previous contact with a person with schizophrenia. Furthermore, greater scores on attitudes towards women with schizophrenia imporwere found in those that have provided consultation to a woman with schizophrenia on breastfeeding issues. The results suggest that this tool is a reliable and valid measure. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that there was a discriminative capacity among items. The five derived factors were knowledge of breastfeeding, attitudes towards breastfeeding, knowledge of schizophrenia, attitudes towards women with schizophrenia, attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. Further research is needed among medical doctors and other mental health professionals who are involved in the care of women with schizophrenia. In addition, the experiences and the needs of mothers with schizophrenia should be explored in order to gain useful information for practice. The results of the current and future studies are expected to inform strategic planning.