Διερεύνηση της πρόθεσης και της στάσης για μητρικό θηλασμό σε λεχωίδες της περιφέρειας

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is central to healthy human development. The World Health Organization and international organizations concerned with human health and well-being in general highlight the central importance of breastfeeding in promoting healthy development. Based on the existing literature, it is possible that some women's attitudes towards breastfeeding may not be positive, which seems to be related to specific socio-demographic characteristics. Aim: The present study aims to investigate the attitudes and intention of mothersregarding breastfeeding and their association with breastfeeding indicators in the maternity ward and the role of related socio-demographic factors. Methodology: A synchronous convenience study was performed, in which 150 mothers were asked about their intention and attitude for breastfeeding in 2 hospital units in the region. The study was conducted from July 16, 2021 to June 22, 2022. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) questionnaire was used to measure breastfeeding attitudes. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 22). Results: Some central findings emerge from the research that was conducted. First, most women are characterized by a positive attitude towards breastfeeding (58.7%), while a highly significant proportion (41.3%) are characterized by neutral attitudes. Second, there seems to be a differentiation of attitudes towards breastfeeding based on women's educational level, as women with a master's or doctoral degree had more positive attitudes than high school graduates (p=0. 020). Third, intention to breastfeed the baby was associated with more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding (p=0.004). Fourth, support from midwives and partner was associated with more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding (p=0.002 & 0.010 respectively). Conclusions: Based on the above, it is suggested that midwives develop interventions to address the knowledge asymmetry on the part of women, which may lead women with lower educational level to form less positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. In addition, it seems imperative to develop broader interventions targeting the general population to improve knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding. Key-words: attitudes; breastfeeding; infants; midwives