Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: Aug | Volume: 7 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 24-29
World Breastfeeding Week Observation: an Opportunity for Assessing Awareness Regarding Breastfeeding Practices, Techniques and Advantages among Trainees of Private Nursing Institute in Haryana
Ramesh Kumar Verma1, Gajraj Kaushik2, Minakshi Kharb3
1Assistant Professor; Department of Community Medicine, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women Khanpur Kalan Sonepat Haryana, India
2Director, Gajraj Institute of Health and Training Centre Gohana, Sonepat Haryana
3MPH final year student, Jodhpur School of Public Health, Jodhpur
Corresponding Author: Dr Gajraj Kaushik
ABSTRACT
Background: Promotion of breastfeeding alone contributes to an 11.6% reduction in infant mortality rate according to Lancet series of 2008. Various studies reported that health care providers are the most important source of dispersal of information about breastfeeding to the mothers. Nursing trainee students who will serve the community in near future would be beneficial for motivating the mothers to adopt healthy practices regarding breastfeeding.
Aim and objective: To assess awareness regarding breastfeeding practices, techniques and advantages.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by utilizing the opportunity of World breastfeeding week observation in Gajraj Nursing Institute. 160 trainee students were assessed by using pretested, self-administered questionnaire as study tool. Data was analyzed done using SPSS version 22.0.
Results: majority among trainee students were females (91%) and mean age was 20.6 + 2.7 yrs. None of the trainee student was aware about the theme of World breastfeeding week 2016. Knowledge regarding initiation of breastfeeding in normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section was found correct among 46 (29%) participants and 88 (55%) respectively. Perception regarding technique of breastfeeding and causes of bad attachment to breast was found correct among 51 (32%) and 5 (3%) trainee students respectively.
Conclusion: there is a certain knowledge gap about breastfeeding among trainee students. There is need to give emphasis on modular teaching. Public health day’s observation should be utilized for assessing, refreshing and updating their knowledge to promote and support breastfeeding in the community.
Key words:World breastfeeding week, breastfeeding, trainees, private nursing institute