Medicina Universitaria (Oct 2021)
Knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding benefits as factors linked to the intention to lactate, in pregnant women in Leon, Guanajuato-a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Objectives: The objective of the study is to identify the association between the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women regarding the health benefits of breastfeeding in their own health and on the newborn with the intention of breastfeeding. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study. Pregnant women attending at CASES Leon, Guanajuato participated. Data regarding knowledge and attitude about breastfeeding and breastfeeding intention was collected using previously validated structured questionnaires. In addition, sociodemographic information such as age, marital status, schooling, occupation, and socioeconomic status was gathered. Results: One hundred and eighty-two pregnant women participated; mean age was 23.9 ± 6.1 years. 27.7% were married; 72.0% were housewives; 54.4% had a high school degree. Regarding general knowledge about breastfeeding, half of them had a medium level. 78% had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding, and 18.1% of the participants had a firm intention to breastfeed. The intention to breastfeed was associated with age (p = 0.047), occupation (p = 0.017), number of children (p = 0.024) socioeconomic level (p = 0.020) and attitude towards BF (p = 0.037). Conclusions: Pregnant women have proper knowledge about the benefits that BF offers. However, knowledge about the benefits of BF on the health of the baby and the mother can be improved. Less than half of the participants intended to breastfeed their children exclusively. Housewives were more likely to have a firm intention to breastfeed. Likewise, those who have a positive attitude towards BF also have this probability. For each year that pregnant women age, the likelihood that they will BF decreases.
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