Knowledge and Practices about Exclusive Breast Feeding among Mothers of Rahim Yar Khan

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices have long been demonstrated to have significant implications for maternal and child health.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of exclusive breast feeding among mothers in Rahim Yar Khan.

Methodology: Study design: Cross-Sectional study. Duration and Setting: From March to May 2018, in Sheikh Zayed Medical Hospital Rahimyar Khan. A sample of 105 women who attended the Outdoor and Indoor of Gynaecology and Pediatric department and EPI Center were enrolled by the convenient sampling technique. A pre-designed questionnaire was used having different variables like age, monthly income, education, occupation of mothers, residential area, knowledge about EBF, and breastfeeding practices during the last child. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results: Mean age of mothers was 28± years, and 42.9% of mothers were illiterate, 77.1% were housewives, whereas, 52.3% of mothers belonged to urban areas. In this study, 90.5% of mothers had information about exclusive breastfeeding, and 55.6% of mothers acknowledged that breastfeeding should start immediately after delivery but regarding practice, only 21.9% of the mothers had started immediately after delivery. In this study, 48.6% of mothers knew that exclusive breast feeding is required for 6 months.

Conclusion: Knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding among mothers was satisfactory, however, practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding low in most among mothers. There is a need for health education program to start in Rahimyar khan.

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