KNOWLEDGE, APTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF MOTHER’S VISITING PEDIATRICS OPD OF VARIOUS PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING

Background and Objectives: Although breastfeeding is a common practice in Pakistan, proper breastfeeding is on the decline. The impact of knowledge about breastfeeding practice is poorly understood. The current study is designed to explore the practices, attitude and knowledge towards breastfeeding and their misconceptions. Objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding breastfeeding. Material and Methods: Methods: This is Cross sectional type of study conducted at Pediatrics outdoor departments of various public sector Teaching hospitals of Lahore including “Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital” during January – march, 2015 (03 months) with sample size of 170 patients. Consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used to recruit the patients. Data Collection and analysis: The mothers who agreed to participate were given a self-designed questionnaire consisting of closed and open ended questions. The questionnaire covered basic characteristics of baby, family socio-economic status and knowledge, aptitude and practices regarding breastfeeding. Data analyzed in SPSS Version: 17.0 Results were recorded as percentages, graphs, means and standard deviations. Results: 58.2% mothers belonged to age group 21-30 years, 40.5% mothers were under metric, 30% were illiterate and 21% were metric pass. 80% of the mothers think breastfeeding is ideal for babies, 26.5% think benefits of breastfeeding last as long as the baby is breastfed and 79% mothers think breastfed babies are healthier than formula fed babies. Conclusions: The study showed that the lower rates of breastfeeding are influenced by factors like education, age, etc. Other unacceptable practices like pre-lacteal feed, lack of early initiation of breastfeeding and early weaning were found prevalent. Key words: Breastfeeding, Colostrum's, KAP of Breast feeding