title: Improving breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of WIC clinic staff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to assess the impact of a breastfeeding promotion clinic environment project implemented by the state of Mississippi on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of WIC clinic staff.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen pairs of matched intervention and comparison WIC clinics participated in the study. Clinical and administrative staff completed pre-test and post-test self-administered questionnaires in 1998 and 1999.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 397 staff members provided pre-test data, and 277 staff members provided post-test data. Before project implementation, the intervention and comparison groups were similar overall. The majority of staff had positive attitudes/beliefs about breastfeeding, but gaps in knowledge and practices were noted. Post-test data showed that the project improved knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and confidence/practice of intervention clinic staff.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinic environment projects, which combine physical improvements and staff training, are effective in promoting support for breastfeeding among public health clinic staff. Similar interventions may contribute to the overall effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion programs.
authors.affiliation: Center for Community Health, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA. amal.khoury@usm.edu
authors.forename: Amal J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Khoury
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hinton
authors.forename: Amal K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mitra
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carothers
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foretich
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003376:Counseling; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008430:Maternal-Child Health Centers / Q000592:standards; D008922:Mississippi; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce