Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practice among mothers in Hail district, northwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Limited knowledge, or improper practice, of breastfeeding may lead to undesirable consequences. The aim of this study was to assess breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among mothers in Hail District and identify factors that may affect breastfeeding practice in the study population. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted among mothers in Hail district. Breastfeeding KAP of participants who had at least one child aged five years or younger at the time of the study were assessed using a questionnaire, with emphasis on their experience with the last child. Results: A total of 60 women whose education was mainly university (39.7%) and secondary (24.1 %) were included in the study. Most of them were from middle economic status. Most of the mothers 31.7 % (n= 19) mentioned only two benefits. Seventy percent (70 %) of the mothers initiated breastfeeding while 30 % did not, mean duration was 9.3 ± 8.97 month. The major reason for ceasing breastfeeding before two years was mothers work 38.6 % followed by disease(15.8 %). Conclusions: This study showed that adverse work and maternal health related issues were the main reasons for a low rate of breastfeeding among women in Hail district-Saudi Arabia. Limited knowledge addressing the breastfeeding issues during pregnancy. Such findings should be useful to health professionals and officials when attempting to overcome breastfeeding barriers and to devise targeted breastfeeding interventions.