Gaps Between Awareness and Practices of Breast Feeding Among Mothers Attending a Paediatrics Clinic in a Rural Hospital Along the Coastal Belt of South Kerala

Abstract

Background

Promotion of proper breastfeeding practices in the first year of child is the most cost-effective intervention to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Early initiation of breast feeding is very important for child’s growth & development.

Objectives

To study the gaps between the awareness and practices of breast feeding among mothers of infants attending a paediatric clinic in a rural hospital of South Kerala and to find out the association of age group and parity with early initiation of breast feeding.

Material and methods

A Cross sectional study was done in Chirayinkeezhu taluk hospital among mothers attending a paediatrics clinic from June 2012 to August 2012. The sample size was 200 and simple random sampling was used. Statistical analysis was done and chi-square test & percentages were calculated.                           

Result

94.5% of mothers knew that breast milk is essential for the growth of the child although 85.5% continued breast feeding even after a year. The gap between the awareness and practice for continued breast feeding at one year, early initiation, colostrum and exclusive breastfeeding was 9%, 12.5%, 4% and 12.5% respectively. The most common reason for non initiation of early breast feeding was belief of not having enough milk secretion. Complementary feeding was started at the end of 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th month by 49.5%, 44.5%, 39.5% and 36% of the mothers. There is a significant association between high parity and early initiation of breast feeding.

Conclusion

Early initiation of breast feeding is still not prevalent among mothers, mostly due to lack of awareness and cultural aspects. Hence Information Education and Communication activities should be made very effective to educate mothers. Mothers should be aware that time period for exclusive breast feeding is initial six months.