Breastfeeding knowledge among professionals at Dr. Abraham F. Piñeyro Hospital in 2023 (Junín, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Keywords:
Breastfeeding, Health personnel, Knowledge, Attitudes and practice in healthAbstract
Breastfeeding is the ideal form of nutrition for young children, both from a nutritional viewpoint and from a comprehensive health perspective. It is important for healthcare services to unify criteria regarding breastfeeding recommendations, as this promotes adequate practices, facilitates coordinated efforts, improves outcomes, and enhances mothers' confidence in the knowledge provided by professionals. This may help reduce early breastfeeding cessation rates and contribute to the health and well-being of both mothers and infants. The objective of this study was to assess the breastfeeding knowledge of healthcare professionals at Dr. Abraham F. Piñeyro Hospital in Junín who work with pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants in the Gynecology-Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Neonatology Departments. A descriptive, prospective, cross- sectional study was conducted at the Hospital of the city of Junín between April and August 2023. The survey was completed by 27 professionals from the pediatrics, neonatology gynecology, obstetrics, and nursing areas, all of whom worked at the Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Gynecology-Obstetrics Departments. Data were collected using a validated instrument -the “Survey on Breastfeeding Knowledge” (ECoLa) - and general information was obtained from the participants, including sex, profession, and years of experience. The questionnaires were distributed across the three departments and completed voluntarily. A total of 55.6% participants had received some form of breastfeeding training, and the overall correct response rate was 67.1%. When considering the results by department, the correct answer rates were 70% in Pediatrics, 76% in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 50% in Neonatology. It is noteworthy that only 0.04% of participants identified five different criteria for proper latching during breastfeeding observation, and 38% are aware of the provision of free starter milk samples to mothers in healthcare centers. The results of this study show a tendency of insufficient breastfeeding knowledge among healthcare professionals, suggesting a lack updated information and understanding of best practices related to breastfeeding.Downloads
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