Breastfeeding: Knowledge and attitude of college girls
Al-Dabal, B.K.
Saudi Medical Journal 19(4): 437-440
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 27704114 Document Number: 493595
Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude of college girls in Dammam area towards breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 362 female students in the Girl's college in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The ages of the students ranged from 18 to 29 years. About 57% of them received some health education about breastfeeding. One-quarter reported that they learned about breastfeeding at school. About 4% of students learned from their mothers. Less than half the students in the sample (40%) knew the meaning of colostrum. Only 38% of the students gave the right answer about the right time for the first feed. Regarding the frequency of breastfeeding, one third gave the right answer. Conclusion: The study showed considerable deficiency in the knowledge of the college female students about breastfeeding. Relevant knowledge and skills about breastfeeding should be included in the curriculum of College to prepare them for successful breastfeeding.