Associations of Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude and Interest with Breastfeeding Duration: A Cross-sectional Web-based Study

Abstract

Purpose: Maternal knowledge, positive attitudes and interest toward breastfeeding may improve the sustainability of breastfeeding. This study examined the associations of knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding with the duration of breastfeeding in Korean mothers who used the internet. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 604 Korean mothers who breastfed their babies. Mothers were recruited through the internet and their knowledge, attitudes and interest toward breastfeeding were assessed using a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Geometric means and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Higher knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding were associated with longer duration of breastfeeding in Korean mothers. In particular, mothers who had optimal breastfeeding duration were more likely to be aware of the easiness of breast milk stimulation and breastfeeding, the development of attachment between mother and child, and pleasure from breastfeeding compared to those mothers with shorter duration. The association with optimal breastfeeding duration was more pronounced among mothers who graduated from high school for total attitude scores and total interest scores, compared to mothers who graduated from college or above. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that it is important to improve maternal knowledge, attitudes, and interest toward breastfeeding in Korean mothers who use the internet as a source of knowledge. Also, the study results imply that the development of strategies to target mothers with relatively low education levels may improve breastfeeding rates.

Predictors of Breastfeeding Intention in Malaysia

“…This finding consistent with studies done in United States (Persad & Mensinger, 2008), United Kingdom (Shaker, Scott, & Reid, 2004), Ireland (Sittlington, Stewart-Knox, Wright, Bradbury, & Scott, 2007), Canada (Twells et al, 2014) and Korea (Kang, Choi, Hyun, & Lee, 2015) who found that breastfeeding intention is associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes.…”

Positive Effect of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiatives on Improving Mothers' Intention for Successful Breastfeeding in Korea

“…Recent studies have shown that maternal knowledge and interest were associated with a longer duration of BF and intention to breastfeed in Korea. 8 Moreover, recent studies have found that maternal knowledge about infant health benefits was directly related to their intention to exclusively breastfeed in diverse urban populations. 9 Another study has shown the significant roles hospitals play in BF initiation and promotion, with rooming-in care of infants, initial BF practices, and education during hospital stay as important practices.…”

Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding: Factors influencing the attitudes of mothers who gave birth in a baby-friendly hospital

“…The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of infants during the first six months of life, and breastfeeding (BF) for two years or beyond with complementary foods for achieving optimal growth and health ( 1 ) . In addition to providing essential nutrients to infants, breastmilk has been shown to be related to decreased sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory-gastrointestinal tract infections, and allergic diseases, as well as a lower risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hematologic malignancies in future life ( 2 , 3 , 4 ) . Reduction in postpartum blood loss due to increased uterine activity and greater weight loss compared with mothers who bottle feed are the reported benefits of BF for mothers ( 2 , 3 ) .…”