Breast Feeding

Abstract

Introduction: Breast feeding provides complete and balanced nutrition to the baby. The survey done in 1995 by health ministry, Pakistan reported that although 94 % of the children were ever breastfed, only less than 16 % of the children were exclusively breastfed. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breastfeeding among undergraduate students of medical colleges of Karachi. Materials and Methods: Data Source: Female medical students from Clinical and preclinical years. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Liaquat National Medical College (LNMC) and Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences (SSCMS), Karachi. Period of study: 3 months. Material and Methods: Total 222 female students filled a multiple choice semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Out of total 222 female students 32.9% were in pre-clinical group while 67.1% were in clinical group. It was observed that educational level of the student was strongly associated with the knowledge regarding initiation of breastfeeding and age till which exclusive breastfeeding should be continued (p=0.000). Clinical group had more knowledge regarding colostrums as compare to the pre-clinical group (p=0.000). Conclusions: A significant difference was found between preclinical and clinical students regarding the knowledge of breastfeeding. In this study most students were from clinical level of undergraduate medical education which made them more aware regarding the significance of breastfeeding.

Knowledge of Female Medical Students about Breastfeeding

“…This is in accordance with the knowledge expressed in a study conducted among medical students in Pakistan [10]. Another study conducted among female medical students in Pakistan, found educational level strongly related to the perception regarding initiation and duration of breastfeeding [11]. We also investigated the awareness of the future medical professionals regarding the advantages of breastfeeding; about half of students knew that breastfeeding reduces the rate of subsequent pregnancy and this was in agreement with studies conducted in Pakistan [10,12].…”

“…Also, majority of the medical students in Ziauddin University, Karachi [10] were aware of the advantages of breastfeeding. Almost all the student's opinion was that breast milk can protect the children from common infections [11].…”

“…This is in agreement with the figures reported in a previous study [10] where 54.9% and 84% had the same knowledge. Only 44% of students knew that breastfeeding should be continued in twins [11]. It is proved that Caesarean delivery has adverse effects on exclusive breastfeeding and anesthesia and pain suppress milk production and delays breastfeeding initiation and continuation [14,15].…”