Mothers’ awareness, attitudes and practices related to exclusive breastfeeding for first six months of infancy-.A community based study in Chittur taluk, Palakkad district
| dc.contributor.author | Sreeja, M | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2018-02-02T05:47:42Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2018-02-02T05:47:42Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2016-10 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Even though breast milk is the universally accepted infant feeding method, practices of pre lacteal feeding, late initiation of breast milk, early initiation of complementary feeding are still prevalent in many countries including India. This study assessed mothers’ awareness, attitudes and practices regarding exclusive breast feeding up to first six months of infancy. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 308 mothers of six to twelve months old infants residing in Chittur taluk, Palakkad district, Kerala. Structured interview schedule and IOWA infant feeding attitude scale was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results: Majority of participants (83%) was aware about duration of exclusive breastfeeding and 71 percent of participants had neutral attitude towards breastfeeding. Only 24 percent of participants exclusively breastfed their children up to five to six months, among mothers who were aware about duration of exclusive breastfeeding only 27.1 percent practiced exclusive breastfeeding up to five to six months. The information on breastfeeding received during antenatal period significantly relates with awareness and practices of mothers. Advice from family members and insufficient breast milk were the major reasons for nonexclusive breast feeding. Conclusion: Most of the identified reasons for non-adherence of exclusive breastfeeding were modifiable. Along with awareness, the mothers and family members should be motivated to practice it. The information regarding breastfeeding provided during antenatal period can significantly improve the awareness and practices related to exclusive breastfeeding. Antenatal support and counseling regarding breastfeeding should be provided as essential maternal health services. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.sctimst.ac.in/handle/123456789/10783 | |
| dc.publisher | SCTIMST | en_US |
| dc.title | Mothers’ awareness, attitudes and practices related to exclusive breastfeeding for first six months of infancy-.A community based study in Chittur taluk, Palakkad district | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |