1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, DanKook University 2Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, DanKook University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitude of breast feeding and to explore the predictive variables for the intention of breast feeding of mothers. One hundred and thirty-five mothers who delivered at the D University hospital during the period of May to June in 1996 comprised the sample. Data were collected by questionnaire methods before discharge at the hospital. Data were analyzed using percent, 1-test, and logistic regression. The results were as follows : 1. During their pregnancy, majority of mothers (74.8%) got the breast feeding information. Information sources were book (34.5%), family and relatives(32.4%), mass media(24.3%), and professionals such as nurses and doctors (8.8% ). The frequently reported sources of most encouragement for breast feeding were mother in law(20.7%) and baby's father (11.1% ). 2. The mean score of the items of Knowledge and Attitude toward Breast Feeding Scale were 42.56 (SD=5.47) and 39.07(SD=5.15) , representing positive attitude toward breast feeding. The correlation between knowledge and attitude score was significant(r 〓.54, p<.001). Knowledge of breast feeding were significantly different between breast feeding intention group (including partial breast feeding) and artificial feeding intention group(t=2.79, p<.01) 3. Logistic regression analysis revealed that feeding method in the hospital, delivery type, knowledge toward breast feeding, disease related to pregnancy, complication related to delivery, and educational level of mother were predictives of the intention of breast feeding. 4. The most frequently rated reasons for the plan for mixed feeding were concern about insufficient milk (37.9%) and work(27.6%), The major reasons for plan for artificial milk feeding were having premature baby(25.9%) and maternal health problems including infection(14.8% ) and drug use due to chronic illness (14.8%). From the result of the study, it is recommended to develop supportive nursing intervention strategy to promote breast-feeding intention and practice. The intervention could be more effective to begin early in pregnancy and include teaching for breast feeding skills as well as information provision for positive attitude formation.
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