Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers visiting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding is important public health issues having numerous benefits for both infants and mothers but rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain low throughout the world. Several studies have investigated the factors that influence breastfeeding behaviors including maternal education, social support, and cultural beliefs. However, there is still much to be learned about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of lactating mothers and how these factors affect breastfeeding outcomes. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of exclusively breastfeeding among lactating women attending Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Methods: The cross-sectional study is carried out in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The study is conducted in 4 months from February 2023 to May 2023. SPSS version 21.0 is used for data analysis. In this research, all individuals aged from 18 to 40 years; mothers having infant of from 0-24 months from Pediatric, Gynecology Wards and OPD were included. In exclusion criteria: non-cooperative mothers. Mothers with psychological problems were not bothered. Mothers with severely ill infants (e.g., cleft palate) Results: 54% of mothers were within normal ranges of BMI and only 4% were within the range of obesity. In our study, 46% of lactating mothers had 1-2 children and 13% had 5 or more than 5 children. 67% of mothers believed breastfeeding helped gain optimal weight gain.44% of mothers gave their child colostrums. About 28 Children <4 months were breastfed less than 4 times. Conclusion: The study shows that mothers were well informed and had proper knowledge, positive attitude and behavior towards breastfeeding. Most of the lactating mothers know the benefits of breastfeeding for 2 years.