Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Saudi Women Regarding Breast Feeding at Makkah Al Mukkaramah

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding (BF) is the normal way of feeding infants and young children. Breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies that can help protect infants from several types of illnesses. Moth­ers who breastfeed have a lower risk of some health problems, including breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. Large percentage of saudi women do not breastfeed their infants despite of the fact that, Islam is very clear in encouraging breastfeeding until a child is two years of age. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of Saudi women regarding breast feeding. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive design was used in this study. It was conducted at the post-partum department, Heraa General Hospital,  Makkah Al-Mukaramh. A convenient sample of 120 mothers were involved in this study. Three tools were used in the present study. The first tool was an interviewing assessment sheet, used to collect socio-demographic data, obstetric history and knowledge regarding BF. The second tool was an attitude scale, that ranged from positive, neutral and negative attitude toward breast feeding.. The third tool was an observational checklist to observe mothers during BF and newborn latching on. Results: The results of this study revealed that, less than one fifth of the mothers (17.5%) had poor knowledge regarding breast feeding, less than one half of them (43.3%) had negative attitude and slightly more than one third of them (35.0%) had average to poor latching on practices. Conclusion and recommendations: older (40-50 years old), highly educated and working mothers had excellent knowledge, positive attitude and good latching on practice. It was recommended to, encourage baby–friendly hospital initiative as one of the strategies to support and promote breastfeeding. Intensify breastfeeding education among mothers, with emphasis on the advantages of the early initiation of breastfeeding.

Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Breast feeding.