Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 1-5
A Comparative Cross-sectional Study on Knowledge Regarding Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Antenatal Mothers Attending Primary and Tertiary Care Centers of Osmania Medical College
Dr. Nazia Tabassum1, Dr. Desham. C.1, Dr. R. L. Lakshman Rao2
1Post Graduate, 2Professor and Head of the Department,
Community Medicine Department, Osmania Medical College,
Corresponding Author: Dr. Nazia Tabassum
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) defined by World Health Organization(WHO) as practice of feeding only breast milk (including expressed breast milk) and allows the baby to receive vitamins, minerals or medicines and water, breast milk substitutes, other liquids and solid foods are excluded. WHO is recommending that infants upto 6 months of age should be exclusively breastfed. Breast Feeding is advantageous to both mother and baby. According to WHO, awareness regarding EBF is only about 50% in 2012.Hence the objective of this study is to assess the awareness regarding EBF among antenatal women attending primary and tertiary care centers.
Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted among antenatal women attending primary and tertiary care centers of Osmania Medical College during November 2014 – January 2015.Total sample of 120 was obtained and divided equally among primary and tertiary care centers. Study population was randomly selected after obtaining the informed consent. They were personally interviewed by the investigator by using a Pre-Tested, Semi Structured Questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using EPI info version 7, and results obtained were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05).
Results: Among 120 antenatal women, seventy nine (65.8%) were aware of EBF, out of which thirty three (53%) were from primary health center and forty six (76.5%) were from tertiary care center.
Conclusions: All Antenatal women should be educated regarding EBF. Awareness is more among antenatal women attending tertiary care centers. Present study showed better indicators compared to national level data but needs increased efforts to improve the EBF to achieve millennium development goals.
Key words: Exclusive Breast Feeding, World Health Organization, Antenatal Women