The Impact of Social and Cultural Factors on the Kuwaiti Mothers’ Knowledge and Practice of Breastfeeding: An Applied Study*

Objective: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that aims to identify the influence of socio-cultural factors on Kuwaiti mothers’ knowledge of Breast Feeding (BF) initiation and duration, and of the appropriate time for introducing food supplements. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was handed to 870 Kuwaiti mothers, and it consisted of four sections: socio-cultural information, knowledge of BF initiation, knowledge of BF duration, and sources of information about exclusive BF. Results: there were significant differences between the participants’ demographic information (age, ethnic background, governorate, and occupational status) and their knowledge of BF initiation and duration. A statistically significant relationship was found between the participants’ demographic factors (age, marital status, ethnic background, and occupational status) and knowledge of when to introduce supplements to their infants. The participants’ mothers were the main source of BF information. Conclusions: The findings of this study can assist physicians and lactation specialists with providing more culturally sensitive care to maternal patients and offering them appropriate counseling about breastfeeding practice.