Knowledge and Attitude toward Breastfeeding among Nursing Students

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of nursing students while they were enrolled in the nursing college. Methods: A cross sectional design was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 113 nursing students. Data were collected using a pre-tested self administered questionnaire. Results: The majority of students were female (81.4%) and between the ages of 18-25 years (85%). Overall, 88.5% of the nursing students had adequate knowledge and positive attitude toward breastfeeding. Only 18.6% and 81.4% of male and female students respectively had a correct response to questions related to breastfeeding. This indicated a statistically significant difference by gender, p = .002. The demographic variables related to marital status, age and level of study were not statistically related to breastfeeding knowledge scores, p > .05. Conclusion: Gender is obviously important socio-demographic factor that influence knowledge towards breastfeeding. Therefore, in order to make sure that breastfeeding is successfully promoted, optimal breastfeeding practices must be taught equally for male and female students at all levels of nursing education.  Nursing students need to inculcate high knowledge via comprehensive training programs to meet the needs of mothers and their infants.

Keywords: breastfeeding, breastfeeding Knowledge, breastfeeding attitude, nursing student