KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF EXPECTING AND LACTATING WOMEN ABOUT EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING ATTENDING AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL, ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and to explore out the perceptions of expecting and lactating women about Exclusive breastfeeding attending Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.

Study Design: A Mixed Method Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from Jul 2018 to Dec 2018.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out by using non-probability convenience sampling on 354 women who visited Gynaecology and Obstetrics department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Quantitative data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire developed with the help of literature review whereas the qualitative data was collected by using a qualitative interview guide. Frequencies and percentages were computed and chi-square was used to find associations between socio-demographic status of women and their knowledge and perceptions about exclusive breastfeeding. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions of women about exclusive breastfeeding. Age, Education, Area of residence, Family income and Parity are Independent variables while Knowledge and Perceptions about exclusive breastfeeding are the dependent variables.

Results: The ages of respondent women ranged from <20 years to 50 years with the majority belonging to the 31– 40 years age group (46%, n=165). Most (63%, n=225) of the children‟s age was 0 – 6 months, Majority (41%, n=145) of the women‟s qualification was matriculation. Majority (68%, n=244) of the women were multiparous and more than a half were unemployed (62%, n=222). Also the major portion of sample belonged to the rural areas. The sample predominantly belonged to middle and low-income group with a moderate level of education. Only 35% (n=124) of the women had good knowledge about the feed of a newborn up to 6 months of age. More than half (56%, n=200) of the women think that Ghutti is the best way to start feeding a newborn. About 48% (n=171) of the respondent women were able to define exclusive breastfeeding correctly.

Conclusion: There is need for large scale health enlightenment of members of the public on EBF and its benefits to the infant, mother and society at large. The content of antenatal health talks with respect to EBF and it understanding by women requires evaluation. There is also the need for periodic refresher training of community health workers on the practice of EBF and strategies introduced for regular monitoring and evaluation of the practice. Behavior change communication (BCC) and counseling should be provided to pregnant women during antenatal visits.