title: Knowledge and beliefs about breastfeeding are not determinants for successful breastfeeding.
abstract: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed to assess knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding among mothers in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia and its influence on their breastfeeding practices. Two hundred thirteen women who had delivered healthy babies at term were enrolled. A structured questionnaire containing demographic data and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Score were used, followed by a telephone interview after 8 weeks to determine the feeding outcome. Women of Malay ethnicity with higher education level who had received breastfeeding counseling had a significantly more favorable attitude toward breastfeeding. Ethnicity was found to be a significant determinant in the success of breastfeeding, whereas returning to work was a major reason for discontinuing breastfeeding. In ensuring a successful breastfeeding practice, apart from knowledge and attitude, issues surrounding culture and traditions as well as improving deliverance of readily available support should be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia .
authors.forename: Shareena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ishak
authors.forename: Nur Azeanny M
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Adzan
authors.forename: Lee K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Quan
authors.forename: M Hasli
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Shafie
authors.forename: Nor Azila
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Rani
authors.forename: Kazzoma G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Ramli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires