BREAST FEEDING

PERCEPTION OF FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF KARACHI

Abstract

Introduction: Breast feeding provides complete and balanced nutrition to the baby. The survey done in 1995 by health ministry, Pakistan reported that although 94 % of the children were ever breastfed, only less than 16 % of the children were exclusively breastfed. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breastfeeding among undergraduate students of medical colleges of Karachi. Materials and Methods: Data Source: Female medical students from Clinical and preclinical years. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Liaquat National Medical College (LNMC) and Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences (SSCMS), Karachi. Period of study: 3 months. Material and Methods: Total 222 female students filled a multiple choice semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Out of total 222 female students 32.9% were in pre-clinical group while 67.1% were in clinical group. It was observed that educational level of the student was strongly associated with the knowledge regarding initiation of breastfeeding and age till which exclusive breastfeeding should be continued (p=0.000). Clinical group had more knowledge regarding colostrums as compare to the pre-clinical group (p=0.000). Conclusions: A significant difference was found between preclinical and clinical students regarding the knowledge of breastfeeding. In this study most students were from clinical level of undergraduate medical education which made them more aware regarding the significance of breastfeeding.