Breastfeeding knowledge, Attitude and Barriers among Saudi Women in Riyadh

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was two folds; to assess breast feeding attitudes and knowledge among Saudi women residing in Riyadh. And to determine barriers to breast feeding. Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 340 Saudi mothers. The study participants were recruited from shopping malls, women’s cafeterias, and restaurant in Riyadh- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mothers were interviewed face-to-face after agreeing to participate in the study. Data was collected by using four set of questionnaires: Socio-demographic Data Questionnaire,   Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), Breast Feeding knowledge Questionnaire, and Perceived Breast Feeding Barriers Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.4 (±7.5) years. Almost half of the mothers had a secondary school education (51.7 %) and were housewives (63.1%). 46.2 % of the participant have a houskeeper.51.8% of the participants have no previous experience with breastfeeding and most mothers made the decision method of feeding while they were pregnant (64.7%). the majority of the study participants have a good knowledge regarding breast feeding's health benefits for baby and mother. Statistically significant correlations were found between attitudes toward infant feeding and maternal age (r = .33), also there was a high significant correlation between mother’s knowledge and their attitude (r =. 71), Conclusion: There are several barriers that prevent Saudi women from breast feed their children although they have good knowledge about the importance of breast feeding. Health care professionals should actively work with families to overcome breastfeeding barriers.

Keywords: breastfeeding Knowledge, breastfeeding attitude, Saudi women, perceived breastfeeding barriers