title: Knowledge and attitudes toward breast-feeding: differences among dietitians, nurses, and physicians working with WIC clients.
abstract: We assessed the knowledge of and attitude toward breast-feeding of dietitians, nurses, and physicians who work with individuals in the Alabama Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. On a scale of 0 to 100, dietitians expressed stronger interest in lactation (78.6) and exhibited greater knowledge (79.6) of the questions asked than nurses (74.5 and 73.0, respectively). Attitude and knowledge scores of physicians (70.2 and 75.5, respectively) were not statistically different from those of dietitians or nurses. Respondents disagreed greatly about the relationship of breast-feeding to weight loss and the appropriateness of oral contraceptives during breast-feeding 6 weeks postpartum. Professionals were more knowledgeable about benefits to infants than about maternal concerns. Results of this study suggest that professional breast-feeding education programs should address maternal concerns such as weight loss, contraception, and mastitis as well as benefits to the infant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 35487-0158.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bagwell
authors.forename: O W
authors.initials: OW
authors.lastname: Kendrick
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Stitt
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Leeper
mesh_terms: D000407:Alabama; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004046:Dietetics; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires