SURVEY ON ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES RELATED TO BREASTFEEDING AT THE MOHAMMED VI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER OF OUJDA: EXPERIENCE FROM AN EMERGING COUNTRY

Context: Breastfeeding, acknowledged globally for its numerous health benefits, faces varied challenges among working mothers. Despite its cultural acceptance in Morocco, recent data reveals concerning trends. This study investigates breastfeeding practices among employees, including healthcare professionals, at Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, the capital of the oriental region of Morocco. Methodology: This cross-sectional study explores breastfeeding practices among employees of Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco, Data from 264 participants were collected using a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, pregnancy and childbirth information, breastfeeding practices, and spousal support. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis. Results: The study included 264 participants, with a majority falling within the age range of 20 to 40 years. The majority of participants (69.7%) did not receive continuing education on breastfeeding. For the timing of the first feed, 48.5% initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, while 27.3% did so after six hours.Regarding the mode of breastfeeding, 48.5% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, 39.4% practiced mixed feeding, and 12.1% practiced exclusive formula feeding.Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between professional status and mode of breastfeeding (χ² = 7.142, df = 8, p = 0.0075). The mean duration of breastfeeding was found to be 10.8 months.The main challenges encountered during breastfeeding included unfavorable work conditions (60.6%), time constraints (60.6%), lack of knowledge (34.1%), lack of family support (15.2%), maternal health issues (15.2%), and lactation problems (30.3%).Participants provided recommendations to improve breastfeeding conditions, including extending maternity leave, improving work schedules, establishing dedicated breastfeeding spaces, providing breastfeeding training, setting up nurseries within the hospital, avoiding night shifts during breastfeeding, and preparing mothers before childbirth. Conclusion: This study underscores the imperative for robust support to enhance breastfeeding rates and working conditions for mothers in the workplace, including those at university hospitals.