Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of health professionals attending lactating mothers in a secondary care Portuguese hospital: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Despite proven benefits of breastfeeding for the health of the mother-child dyad, breastfeeding rates worldwide remain suboptimal. The role of health workers is critical to breastfeeding process. However, evidence suggests that some lack the skills to adequately counsel breastfeeding mothers. Our aim was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals toward breastfeeding. Methods: We used a validated questionnaire CAPA (CompeteÌ?ncia en l’Atenció PrimaÌ?ria sobre Alletament) to assess the level of competence and attitudes towards breastfeeding among health professionals involved in supporting breastfeeding mothers at a secondary care Portuguese Hospital. Results: The analysis included 81 participants (48 physicians (39 pediatricians/pediatric residents and 9 obstetricians and gynecologists/obstetrics and gynecology residents) and 33 nurses). The mean score (125 ± 11) was suboptimal. A statistically significant difference was found between specialities (p = 0.034), with pediatrics scoring the highest. Discussion: Since only half of health professionals felt totally confident in giving breastfeeding advice, they would benefit from breastfeeding education programs to optimize care for infants and their mothers.

Keywords

• Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding knowledge. Nurses knowledge.