TO STUDY THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF BREAST FEEDING MOTHERS

Dr. Sudhir Mehta*

ABSTRACT

Breast feeding is natural physiological and unequalled ideal way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. The major causes for the mortality and morbidity among infants are malnutrition, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, lack of awareness and misconception among mothers regarding breast feeding. This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding breast feeding. Methods: The study population consisted of mothers in postnatal ward and mothers having a child of less than and half years in immunization clinic. The sample size was 400 and a predesigned and pretested semi structured questionnaire was used. Results: Majority of mothers had inadequate knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding. Age, education, occupation, economic status, type of family was found to be significant associates of their knowledge & attitude. Conclusions: Correct Breast feeding practices were not practiced among many mothers.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Breast feeding.