Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of nurses among breastfeeding promotion at Naresuan university hospital

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses working in the field of promoting breastfeeding. The sample consisted of 64 nurses working in the field of promoting breastfeeding at Naresuan university hospital. The research instruments included a personal information form, and a set of questionnaires including knowledge, attitude, and practice of breastfeeding promotion among nurses, showing the index of item objective congruence .67-1.00 and the reliability of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient .80, .85, .98. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics: frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation.

The results revealed that nurses’ knowledge on breastfeeding was at high level (Mean = 19, S.D. = 2.16), attitude toward breastfeeding at high level (Mean = 4.51, S.D. = .47), and practice on breastfeeding promotion at high level (Mean = 3.37, S.D. = .71).

The findings of this research can serve as fundamental data for the development of competencies among nurses working in the field of promoting breastfeeding. Nurses should receive regular training to continuously enhance their knowledge and skills. They should engage in ongoing learning to stay updated with the latest information, maintain confidence in their practices, and foster a positive attitude. Additionally, there should be clear policies and guidelines in place, following the WHO's 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, to ensure that healthcare professionals at all levels, from pediatricians and obstetricians to nurses working with mothers and infants, can consistently promote and support breastfeeding practices in a unified manner.