A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Knowledge and Practice of Personal Hygiene and Sanitation among Antenatal Mothers in a Tertiary Hospital of Kolkata, West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding protects the child from various infections. It reduces the risks of ovarian and breast cancer in the mother. Poor hygienic and sanitary practices during pregnancy may lead to various infective conditions and adverse obstetric outcomes leading to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To determine the breastfeeding knowledge and knowledge and practice of personal hygiene and sanitation among the antenatal mothers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital in Kolkata. 170 antenatal mothers were selected for the study. Data was collected on breastfeeding knowledge and knowledge and practice of personal hygiene and sanitation. Result: 41.8% of antenatal mothers were between 25-30 years of age. According to 98.2% opined that breastmilk should be fed to the child first after birth. 75.9% of them cleaned their teeth twice daily, 72.4% bathed once in a day. 83.5% of them regularly washed their nipples with soap and water. 99.4% washed their hands before eating and after using the toilet, 75.9% had no idea about the 6 steps of hand washing. 37.7% used domestic filter as their source of drinking water. 7.1% used community toilets and 44.7% knows the usefulness of sanitary toilet. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that most of the mothers had adequate knowledge about the importance of colostrum and exclusive breastfeeding and the correct time of initiating complementary feeding. Knowledge as well as practices of hygiene and sanitation were also found to be satisfactory.