Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breastfeeding Among Working and Non-Working Mothers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Saudi Arabia has experienced major socioeconomic changes over the last 3 decades that potentially promote women employment. The impact of working status on the mother's awareness and practices of breastfeeding has never been the focus of previous local studies. Aim of work: to examine the awareness and practices of breastfeeding among working and non-working mothers in two centers in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers attending the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics at Saad Specialist Hospital, and at King Fahad University Hospital from January to April 2015. Data were collected during an interview that covered demographic characteristics of the mothers, as well as Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of breastfeeding. Results: A total 280 mothers (136 working and 144 non-working; 245 Saudi and 35 non-Saudi) were included in the study. The age ranged from 18 to 55 years with a mean of 29.9±8.0 years. The overall awareness of breastfeeding benefits and duration was 78.1%, with no significant difference between working and non-working mothers (79.3% versus 76. 9%, p=0.195). Approximately 97.5% of the studied mothers initiated breastfeeding while 45.7% had exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months, with no significant differences by working status (p=0.716 and p=1.000, respectively). Several reasons for early stopping of exclusive breastfeeding were reported. Conclusion: Among mothers attending MCH services in two centers in the Eastern region, there was high

Exclusive Breastfeeding

“… 11 – 13 Although infant formulas were not frequently mentioned in the current study, their marketing is ubiquitous in the region and are undermining efforts to improve breastfeeding, including women’s own ability to breastfeed. 2 , 13 , 14 , 19 – 21 Although stronger regulations were enacted in May 2021 that aligned to the code for marketing infant formula, research to examine the influence of infant formulas on EBF in Oman would be useful, especially on new mothers and their circle of family support. 22 – 24…”

“…Similar barriers have been described globally and in the neighbouring countries. [11][12][13][14]17,18 Individual experiences play a major role in determining whether or not a mother exclusively breastfeeds her infant. The perception of insufficient milk supply mentioned by participants in this study as well as other studies in this region is an important reason women have stopped exclusively breastfeeding during their infant's first six months and/or introduced formula or weaning food.…”

“…The perception of insufficient milk supply mentioned by participants in this study as well as other studies in this region is an important reason women have stopped exclusively breastfeeding during their infant's first six months and/or introduced formula or weaning food. [12][13][14]18,19 For example, more than half of a study's participants in Saudi Arabia and one-in-three study participants in Qatar discontinued breastfeeding due to their perception of lack of sufficient mother's milk. 14,19 Breastfeeding difficulties and the perception that the crying of an infant indicates hunger in the early weeks undermine a mother's confidence, making her assume that she has insufficient milk and, thus, leading her to introduce infant formula.…”

“…2 Although similar evidence is emerging from several countries of the Arabian Gulf, greater understanding is needed to better guide policymakers in addressing the low prevalence of EBF. 3,[11][12][13][14] Despite a sociocultural environment supportive of breastfeeding, the prevalence of EBF remains low in Oman. 15 Employment, marketing of breast milk substitutes, inadequate health care support and insufficient mother's milk are some of the key barriers identified by women in the Arabian Gulf.…”

“…15 Employment, marketing of breast milk substitutes, inadequate health care support and insufficient mother's milk are some of the key barriers identified by women in the Arabian Gulf. [11][12][13][14] Although policies and strategies are in place to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, further work is needed if Oman is to achieve the UNICEF/WHO global target of 50% EBF. Therefore, this study aimed to examine individual barriers and supports for EBF and to identify potential policy and programmatic interventions in Oman.…”