The Knowledge and Experiences of Fourth-Year Undergraduate Nursing Students on Breastfeeding During Their Education

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and practices of fourth-year undergraduate students studying at four nursing schools on breastfeeding. Material and Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of 261 students studying at four nursing schools. A total of 90.8% of the eligible population was reached. The data were collected via face-to-face interview method through a questionnaire developed by researchers. Results: The mean knowledge score of the students was 38.8±3.5 (total 50 points). The mean scores on the sub-dimensions were as follows: 9.8±2.1 in the content of breast milk and breastfeeding, 9.2±2.7 in the effective breastfeeding behavior, 4.4±0.9 in the benefits of breastmilk, 6.0±1.1 in the physiology of lactation, and 4.2±1.3 in breast care. Whereas 97.5% of thestudents had provided lactation consultation at least once during their education, 72.2% of them had provided breast care. The students found the consultation and breast care they had provided sufficient by 97% and 96.5% respectively. It was found that there was a significant difference between groups in terms of mean knowledge scores according to the education model of the school and the number of consultancy (p 0.05). Conclusions: The study findings show that the schools in which the study was conducted have a curriculum that ensures a commendable theoretical and practical educational process for breastfeeding.