Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude & Practices regarding Breast Feeding among Lactating Mothers in urban areas of Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the most crucial measure for lowering infant mortality rates and promoting optimal growth and development in children. However, its practices and implementation remain limited. According to NFHS-5 only 63.7% of the children were exclusively breastfed. Objectives: The study aims to assess lactating mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding breastfeeding, identify socio-demographic determinants influencing their knowledge, and also the barriers that prevent adherence to correct breastfeeding practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving randomly selected lactating mothers of children less than 2 years, registered in Anganwadi centres of urban Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Mothers were interviewed using pretested semi structured questionnaire. Results: In this research conducted among 359 lactating mothers, 35.4% were between 25-29yrs, 87.5% were housewife, 80.8% literate, and 66% living in joint family. 41.8% of the study participants, initiated breast feeding within one hour, and 55% of mothers also continued exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) until six months. Most common reason (50%) for not practicing EBF was inadequate milk production. Conclusion: In our sample, we observed that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices and the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth was suboptimal compared to NFHS-5 India but better compared to the state NFHS- 5.