Breastfeeding knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding of infants in first six months of life

Background Exclusive breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition. The maternal decision to breastfeed is affected by various factors, including breastfeeding knowledge. Objective The purpose of this study was the assessment of the breastfeeding knowledge in selected group of mothers of infants under 7 months and its relationship to the exclusivity of breastfeeding. Material and methods The study was carried out using the CAWI method from Dec 2014 till Feb 2015 among 446 mothers (aged 18-42) of infants under 7 months. The most of women lived in towns >100.000 inhabitants, had an university education and normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Breastfeeding knowledge was estimated using 15 questions (both 6 in general and child-related category and 3 in mother-related category). Results were analysed using multivariate logistic analysis and Chi2 and U-Mann Whitney tests. Results 57% (group A) of women exclusively breastfeed their infants and 43% (group B) did not. Average mean breastfeeding knowledge test score was 11.9±3.4 points. Higher mean was observed in group A compared with group B (12.9±2.8 vs. 10.6±3.7 points; p≤0.001). Predictors of lower score (<11 points) were professional education, overweight and living in the rural area. Each correct answer to questions in general (OR1.93; 95%CI 1.57-2.37) or in child-related (OR1.33; 95%CI 1.10-1.63) category improved the chance of exclusive breastfeeding. Women from group A had a better score in every question. Conclusions Breastfeeding education for mothers may improve breastfeeding rates.