مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Interns´ attitude on breastfeeding and baby-friendly hospital

Abstract :

Aim: Promoting awareness is an important pillar in encouraging breastfeeding. This study was carried out to determine the interns level of knowledge and awareness about breast milk and baby-friendly hospital . Material and Method: The study was performed on 96 interns in Selcuk university faculty of medicine who agreed to participate. Fifty seven percent of participants were males. The data were obtained by applying a questionnaire. Results: The interns rate of correct answers about various properties of breast milk and breastfeeding varied between 2% and 96%. Only half of the interns knew the correct breastfeeding technique. The percentage of those knew the requirements for baby-friendly hospital was 31%. The rate of awareness about the breastfeeding policy of the hospital they study was only 11% among interns. Conclusion: The knowledge level of interns about breastfeeding practices is low. Increasing knowledge and awareness of interns about this subject may contribute to extension and maintaining of breastfeeding in community.