Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Saudi Mothers: Exposing the Substantial Gap Between Knowledge and Practice

Overview

Journal J Family Med Prim Care

Specialty Public Health

Date 2019 Nov 5

PMID 31681646

Citations 12

Authors

Nada Ahmed Alsulaimani

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Rates of exclusive breastfeeding are exceedingly low in the Arabic world. This study aims to estimate the local prevalence of, and knowledge about, exclusive breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia.

Method: This is a cross-sectional survey of mothers of infants aged 6-12 months who attended Taif-based "well-baby clinic." A structured questionnaire was developed to explore predictors of, and participants' knowledge about, exclusive breastfeeding.

Results: Participants in the study were 202 mothers. The rate for initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour after childbirth was 13.9%. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 16.3%. Knowledge level was great among participating mothers as 65.3% of mothers scored over 75% of the total knowledge score and 95% got more than half of the questions right. Only having 3-6 children (P = 0.023) and 1-year interpregnancy interval (P = 0.005) were associated with the positive likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. Baby age (P = 0.0218), birth in a private facility (P = 0.00843), and university education (P = 0.0131) were associated with better knowledge.

Discussion And Conclusion: Rates of exclusive breastfeeding practice are low in Saudi Arabia despite adequate knowledge about its benefits and necessity.

Citing Articles

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