Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers in Pabna Sadar upazila, Pabna, Bangladesh: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding is considered as the best feeding option after birth which helps to reduce infant mortality and ensure their optimal growth. In terms of child health and child nutrition, ensuring healthy Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) by giving exclusive breastfeeding is crucial. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among lactating mothers in Pabna district Sadar upazila, Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out from August 2023 to May 2024 at Children vaccination centers in Pabna Sadar upazila, Pabna, Bangladesh. This study was done among 292 lactating mothers who have a 6 months old baby. Self administered semi structured were used to collect information from the lactating mothers. Descriptive and chi square analysis was done to analyze knowledge, attitude and practice among lactating mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. Result: The study found that majority of the participants (96%) herald about exclusive breastfeeding and their main source of information is family (56.2%). Most of the participants (78.8%) have knowledge about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Moreover, approximately 66% participants preferred to give EBF for the first six months of their children. 96% of participants believe that EBF is better than other artificial milk and they are feeling food to continue EBF for the first six months. On the other hand, only 47% participants started EBF practice immediately after the delivery and 38% participants gave something before starting the EBF practice. Also, more than half of participants were giving formula milk, water and honey to their children occasionally. Also, we found the association of knowledge with the attitude and practice of EBF (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found that the knowledge and attitude towards EBF in Pabna Sadar upazila is good compared to the EBF practice. Urban areas people have more knowledge and good attitude towards EBF but practice of EBF is low in both urban and rural areas of Pabna Sadar Upazila.