Evaluating Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Pregnant Women about Lactation and Human Milk

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behavior of pregnant women who are regarded as the individuals being primarily responsible for the nutrition of newborns and infants. Methods: The present study reviews 400 women who were admitted to the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Afyon Kocatepe University Medical Faculty Hospital between December 2012 and January 2013. Each participant filled a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions. Results: The majority of the participants are the multiparous non-pregnant women who were educated for less than eight years. As the participant age increases, there is a significant elevation in gravidity, parity as well as the number of living children and elective curettages (p=0.048 for each). The women with advanced education status are more likely to be informed about nursing. When compared with the housewives, the working women and students have significantly more knowledge about lactation. Multiparous women are more likely to have information about human milk than nulliparous women. Conclusion: Most of the women at reproductive age are aware of the benefits of human milk and they know how long lactation should be continued. However, this level of knowledge seems to be insufficient for the maintenance of lactation. Therefore, all women at reproductive age should have an easy access to the most current and accurate information about human milk and lactation.