KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF BREASTFEEDING AMONG MOTHERS VISITING A RURAL MEDICAL COLLEGE IN KERALA – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is very important for the health of both mother and the new born. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months aids in the optimal growth and development of the child. Mother can continue breastfeeding for up to two years and while also giving nutritionally rich and safe supplements. Lack of exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0 to 6 months of age and no breastfeeding among children 6 to 23 months of age are associated with increased diarrhoea morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In this study, we assessed the status of mothers 'Knowledge, Attitude and Practices related to breastfeeding in mothers visiting so as to provide clues on what can be done to improve the exclusive and effective breastfeeding. Objective: To access the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding of mothers attending the outpatient department of paediatrics and immunization clinic in a rural medical college in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 90 mothers who attended the outpatient department of paediatrics and immunization clinic of a rural medical college in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A Face to Face interview is conducted with the help of structured questionnaire. Non probability sampling is used with inclusion of mothers with babies of 0 to 2 years of age visiting the hospital clinic and exclusion of those with galactosaemic or congenital dysfunction. Data is coded and entered in the MS Excel and analysed by using Epi Info Software. Results: From our study we came to the conclusion from 90 mothers who participated in the study about 64.4% of mother started breastfeeding within 30 min of delivery, 98.8%of lactating mothers provided colostrum as the first feed,87.7% exclusively breastfeed for 6 months,66.7% of mothers didn't participate on any awareness classes, 52.2% mothers start complementary feed at 6 months, 46.7% have previous successful experience in breastfeeding, 98.9% mothers aware of advantages, 80% of mothers have their family support for proper breastfeeding and 90% didn't experience any post feeding difficulties. Conclusion: After conducting the study, we came to the conclusion that, majority of mothers started breastfeeding within 30 min of delivery and were aware of the advantages of breastfeeding to themselves and to the babies. Majority of them exclusively breastfeed their babies for 6 months and they continue the breastfeeding even after they started the complementary feeds. Less number of them attended awareness classes on breast feeding and majority were encouraged to continue breastfeeding.