Knowledge, Practices and Attitude of Post-Partum Mothers regarding Breast Feeding during COVID-19

Khairy Mohamed Selim, Yasmeen; Abd-Elhaliem Saeed, Samah; Mostafa El-Banna, Hemmat; Mahmoud Hassan, Mai

doi:10.21608/jnsbu.2023.310955

Knowledge, Practices and Attitude of Post-Partum Mothers regarding Breast Feeding during COVID-19

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

¹ B.S.C. in Nursing (2013), Faculty of Nursing- Benha University, Nursing Specialist at Bahtim Hospital

² Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Benha University

³ Lecture of Obstetrics and gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Benha University.

10.21608/jnsbu.2023.310955

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of infant and young child survival, nutrition, development and also, for maternal health. Aim: The research aimed to assess knowledge, practices and attitude of post-partum mothers regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Research design: A descriptive design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at postnatal unit of Obstetrics & Gynecological Department in Benha University hospital. Sampling: A purposive sample included 240 breast feeding mother. Tools of data collection: Four tools: were used First Tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire which consisted of three parts: Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers, obstetric history and history related to breastfeeding, Second tool: Mother’s knowledge regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Third tool: Observational checklist to assess the practice of mothers regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Fourth tool: Modified Likert Scale to assess the attitude of mothers regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Results: More than one half of the studied mothers had poor knowledge regarding breast feeding during COVID-19, more than one half of the studied mothers had satisfactory practices regarding breast feeding during COVID-19, while about two thirds of the studied mothers had positive attitude regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Conclusion: More than one half of the studied mothers had poor knowledge regarding breast feeding during COVID-19 and more than one half of the studied mothers had satisfactory practices regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Also, about two thirds of the studied mothers had positive attitude regarding breast feeding during COVID-19. Also, there was a highly positive statically significant correlation between total knowledge, total practices and total attitude regarding breast feeding during COVID-19, so the study results answered the study questions. Recommendation: Developing training programs for mothers to improve their knowledge and maintain optimal breastfeeding practice.

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