Mothers' knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding in Thi-Qar City, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To assess mothers' attitudes and knowledge about breast feeding in Thi-Qar City, Iraq. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital in Nasiriyah from January to February 2023 and included 192 mothers. United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-adapted questionnaire was used. Socio-demographic information was recorded. The mother's viewpoint and intellectual capacity regarding breast feeding were assessed and their general opinions toward breast feeding were evaluated. Results: Out of 192 mothers, 103 (53.6%) were between the ages of 18 and 20. Most 87 (45.31) had completed elementary school and had a higher education; 79.17 percent of the sample lived in an urban area; and around half of the mothers were unemployed. The mothers had good knowledge of breast feeding and their attitude towards breast feeding was good. Conclusion: This study concluded that early mothers' knowledge of and attitudes toward Breast feeding were generally excellent at AL Hussein Teaching Hospital in Nasiriya city, and that these factors were crucial in determining the health of the children.