KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING BREAST FEEDING, A PICTURE IN EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT OF MEGHALAYA.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast feeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child who is artificially fed. The low prevalence and duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding increase the risk of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Worldwide, suboptimal breastfeeding still accounts for deaths of 1.4 million children aged less than five years . AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast feeding among women 2. To study the factors influencing breast feeding practices among women residing in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. METHODOLOGY: The present study is a cross sectional study conducted within the field practice area of NEIGRIHMS, two of which were urban-Nongmynsong and Pynthorbah and one rural area-Tynring. The study period was conducted from October 2012-December 2012 (three months duration). A total of 135 women were interviewed during the period. In the respective areas the households were selected using simple random sampling after obtaining a list of all the households in the respective area from the ANM. In the selected household all the females available who have a child between 1-2 year of age were interviewed. Data analysis was done by descriptive analysis and analytical statistics by using Chi Square test using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS & OBSERVATION: Out of 135 families visited, 70 (51.9%) families were nuclear families. With respect to feeding practices; 80 (59%) mothers had given Exclusive Breast Feeding for a period of 6 months. 74 (55%) of mothers had knowledge on colostrums and 109 (80.75%) of mothers had given colostrum to their babies. 42 (31.1%) mothers had initiated BF within 1 hour .The variables which were found to be associated with breast feeding are the mother's age, type of family and the mother's education. CONCLUSION: Mothers education was found to be an important factor in influencing breast feeding practices. Therefore, Health education and counseling of mothers can go a long way in improving breast feeding practices in this area.