Paediatric Residents' Perception of Breastfeeding amidst Covid 19

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine paediatric residents' perception, beliefs, and attitudes towards breastfeeding particularly by COVID positive mothers and to assess the need for a breastfeeding teaching program. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted over 1 months (15 October 2021-15 November 2021) among the paediatric residents from different hospitals in Rawalpindi/ Islamabad. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 paediatric residents were included in the study. A self-administered online questionnaire was sent via email, comprising 19 items related to breastfeeding and its implications during the COVID 19 pandemic. Results were analysed on SPSS 20. Results: Out of 70 residents, 63 (90%) responses were obtained. Most of the residents were supportive of breastfeeding and had a good perception as 100% of participants supported that breast milk is an ideal food for babies. However, huge uncertainty was noted in the answers to questions regarding breastfeeding in mothers with COVID-19 infection as only a few (12.7%) residents believed that mothers with active COVID 19 infection can breastfeed their baby. There was no difference among first and second year residents and third and fourth year residents (<0.5) Conclusion: The participants' perception, beliefs, and overall knowledge about breast feeding is satisfactory but regarding breastfeeding in mothers who had COVID-19 infection is inadequate. The authors' recommendation is to have more emphasis on support & promotion of breastfeeding in paediatric residency programs across Pakistan.