Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Intention to Breastfeed among Pregnant Women Following ANC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2011-07
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding includes initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour
of life, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, supplementary diet started besides breast milk is 6 month and
continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond. However, in reality many mothers are unable to practice as
advocated among mothers who did not receive antenatal education.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and intention to breastfeeding among pregnant women attending
antenatal care (ANC).
Methods: Facility based cross- sectional study was carried out during January -February 2011 among randomly
selected pregnant women who were attending ANC service in Addis Ababa. A total of 420 respondents
participated in the study. Data were collected using interviewer administered Amharic version structured
questionnaire. The data were entered in epi info version 3.3.2 and analyzed using SPSS for windows version
15.0.
Results: Adequate knowledge of breastfeeding, favorable attitude and intention to breastfeed were 53.8%,
80.5% and 96.1% respectively. Majority, of respondents (47.1%) heard breastfeeding information from mothers
with previous breastfeeding experience. Pregnant women’s older age (p<0.05), high house hold income
(p<0.05), educational status (p<0.01), previous breastfeeding experience (p<0.01) and breastfeeding counseling
(p<0.01) were predictors of adequate knowledge of breastfeeding. In addition, middle and high house hold
income (p<0.05), educational status (p<0.01) and previous breastfeeding experience (p<0.05) were predictors of
favorable attitude toward to breastfeed. Whereas, socio demographic, RH factors and attitude toward to
breastfeed did not associate with intention to breastfeed. But, having adequate knowledge of breastfeeding was
associated with favorable attitude toward to breastfeed (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Almost-all’ prevalence of intention to breastfeed and high level of favorable attitude towards
breastfeeding among pregnant women in the study area. However, the knowledge of breastfeeding was found to
be at lower level than studies done before in other areas. This is influenced by age and breastfeeding counseling.
In addition, house hold income, educational status and previous breastfeeding experience of pregnant women
were the major factors affecting knowledge of breastfeeding and attitude toward to breastfeed.
Recommendations: Targeting younger age, low family income, none education and those who were pregnant
for the first time is needed in order to promote the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. In addition,
combined approaches of one to one education, group education including media campaigns are important.
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Keywords
Breastfeed ,Pregnant women