A Descriptive Study to Assess the Attitude and Practice Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Primi Mothers in Selected Rural Community at Chamarajanagar, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: The most valuable gift a newborn may receive is breast milk, which is rich in nutrients and immune-boosting chemicals. Women must be provided with accurate information on the duration of nursing, weaning, diet, breastfeeding physiology, and supplements that should be taken during breastfeeding, among other essential details. Only then will healthcare and services become more meaningful and support mothers in nursing successfully.

Objective: The study aims to assess the demographic data, attitude, and practices regarding breastfeeding among primi mothers in a selected rural community at B.R. Hills, Chamarajanagar.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 primi mothers by using a quantitative research approach at the rural community at B.R Hills, Chamarajanagar. Data were collected by using a self-prepared questionnaire and opinion statements towards attitude and practice among primi mothers. The collected data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The average age of primi mothers was 18–22 years old, and most of them were working. The results evidenced that mothers who scored more than 70% on the attitude test were deemed to have a good attitude, while those who scored less than 70% were deemed to have a less positive attitude. In the view towards practice of breastfeeding, the majority of mothers have heard of EBF and believe it is crucial for both the mother’s and the child’s health, but only 45% of them had exclusively breastfed their child for the first six months. Findings show that 62% of primi mothers have a good attitude score, 13% primi mothers have an average attitude score, and 25% primi mothers have a poor attitude score towards breastfeeding. Among 50 primi mother’s majority of them (i.e. 50%) have poor practice regarding breastfeeding. Only 45% of primi mothers follow the good practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The average mean value of attitude and practice was 30.9 and 22.5.

Conclusion: The study indicated that there are both positive and negative attitudes among primi moms regarding breastfeeding. This research shows that there are still misconceptions about breastfeeding. The results of this study highlight the importance of educating mothers on the different facets of breastfeeding in order to enable them to make well-informed decisions about nursing their infants.