Tasdidaa Shamsi

Breastfeeding Knowledge in Dhaka,bangladesh: Breast-feeding Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49) Attending Outpatient Departments of Selected Hospitals in Dhaka Tasdidaa Shamsi

A descriptive study approach was adopted to assess knowledge of women of reproductive age (15-49) attending OPD of 5 Hospitals of Dhaka City regarding breast-feeding. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of women regarding breast-feeding practice,to see whether any demographic variable affect the knowledge,to determine what affects the knowledge of women regarding breast-feeding. A structured interview schedule was prepared to assess the knowledge of women. There were thirty three questions in total for assessing the knowledge. A pilot study was conducted with thirteen women for validity. Purposive sampling technique was used.400 samples were selected. The data was collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. 12.8% of the respondents had good knowledge,37.5% had average knowledge and 49.8% of respondents had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge of the total sample according to selected demographic variables is 49.06% which is average according to the score card. Significant association was found between knowledge of women regarding breastfeeding with selected demographic variables. The study concludes that women have inadequate knowledge.