Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Breasfeeding Among Lactating Mothers in Rural Areas of Thrissur District of Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Menon Krishnendu and Gokhale Devaki1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Taluka: Mulshi, District: Pune-412115, India.
2Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences (SSBS), Symbiosis International University.
Corresponding Author E-mail: devakijgokhale@gmail.com
Abstract: Breastfeeding is considered as the pivotal factor between life and death for the vast majority of children in developing countries, but pattern of breast feeding and exclusive breast feeding is more important, which is ignored often by most mothers. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practise towards breasfeeding among lactating women of Thrissur district of Kerala, India. A crosssectional study was conducted among 120 mothers with their first child less than 2 years of age using structured interviews and systematic random sampling method to select the study participants. The purpose of the study was explained and informed consent was obtained on voluntary basis. A total of 70.8% of lactating mothers had average knowledge, 55% displayed good attitude and 79.2% had good breastfeeding practices. A total of 57.5% of gave importance to colostrum and 85% delivered breastmilk as the first feed and 15% reported of pre-lacteal feeds as the first feed. The breastfeeding practices in the most literate state of India still can be improved, although women were aware of the exclusive breastfeeding and its importance they did not practice this to the fullest. We suggest access to nutrition information pertaining to breasfeeding can be strengthened further through various community programmes. Individual "breastfeeding counseling and health education on nutrition" to the mother by health workers should be promoted.
Keywords: Attitude; Breastfeeding; Knowledge; Kerala Practices; Back to TOC