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Knowledge, Practice, and Perceptions of Breast-Feeding Among Physicians

A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians (n=118) in Mississippi to determine their knowledge, current practice and perception of breast-feeding. Generally, the physicians were knowledgeable about breast-feeding. More than 70% of the knowledge questions were answered co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1998-09, Vol.98 (9), p.A65-A65
Main Authors: Forrester, I.T., Dawkins, N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians (n=118) in Mississippi to determine their knowledge, current practice and perception of breast-feeding. Generally, the physicians were knowledgeable about breast-feeding. More than 70% of the knowledge questions were answered correctly by most physicians. Most physicians indicated that they were comfortable answering questions about breast-feeding, although only ten percent indicated having specialized training in lactation management. They perceived to different extent, that a woman's decision to breast-feed is influenced by friends, various family members and health care professionals, respectively. Breast-feeding was considered “somewhat important” to “very important” because it is cheaper, provides immunity, nutritional value, convenience and helps with bonding. Physicians indicated that they “often” to “very often” recommended breast-feeding to mothers who have not made the decision to breastfeed or to those who have made a decision to bottle feed, irrespective of sociodemographic status. Most physicians make contact with mothers in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program after the woman's first trimester, however the physicians felt it is appropriate to initiate breast-feeding early during pregnancy. Among reasons given for cessation of breast-feeding, most physicians believed that medical conditions affecting mother or child, or failure to thrive were important. Physicians’ knowledge, practice and perception of breast-feeding, could significantly impact breast-feeding practices.
ISSN:0002-8223
1878-3570
DOI:10.1016/S0002-8223(98)00535-5