Breastfeeding Knowledge in Dhaka,Bangladesh

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.