Abstract
Background: Physicians play a crucial role in the promotion and support of breastfeeding. Although many studies have
been conducted to evaluate the knowledge about breastfeeding in mothers, few studies are found in literature discussing the knowledge and practice of physicians regarding breastfeeding .To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of medical practitioners about breastfeeding at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 physicians of Ziauddin University belonging to the specialties of
Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, General Medicine and Family Medicine. The participants filled a structured questionnaire after informed consent. Data was analyzed on SPSS 20.0. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and
percentages while continuous variables were presented as mean. P value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A total of 200 medical practitioners participated in the study. 97% of the respondents recommended exclusive
breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Formula feeding was also considered equally acceptable by 66.5%. Pre-lacteal
feeds were forbidden by 74% and 82% of the participants had not attended any Continuing Medical Education (CME)
program on breastfeeding in the last 03 years.
Conclusion: The shortcomings in the breastfeeding counseling skills of physicians and in their ability to manage lactational problems need to be addressed. A written hospital policy on breastfeeding is mandatory.
Shaista Ehsan, Uzma Ghori, Farah Agha. (2016) Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Medical Practitioners Regarding Breastfeeding: A study at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, The Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry, Volume-5, Issue-1.
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