Benchmark- Capstone Project Change Proposal

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March 29th, 2022

Table of Contents

Benchmark Capstone Project Change Proposal

In this assignment, students will pull together the change proposal project components they have been working on throughout the course to create a proposal inclusive of sections for each content focus area in the course. At the conclusion of this project, the student will be able to apply evidence-based research steps and processes required as the foundation to address a clinically oriented problem or issue in future practice.

Students will develop a 1,250-1,500 word (word count does not include references) paper that includes the following information as it applies to the problem, issue, suggestion, initiative, or educational need profiled in the capstone change proposal:

Background
Problem statement
Purpose of the change proposal
PICOT
Literature search strategy employed
Evaluation of the literature
Applicable change or nursing theory utilized
Proposed implementation plan with outcome measures
Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation, and a discussion of how these could be overcome
Appendix section, if tables, graphs, surveys, educational materials, etc. are created (I am not sure what an appendix section is but if you know please add something. I do know it should come AFTER the references)

All reference resources are attached. Please use the Literature Review paper as just a REFERENCE.

Prepare this assignment according to APA Style Guidelines. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric (ATTACHED). Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Rubric

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Title	Attached Documents	Citation Report	Similarity Index	Final Submission

	Top of FormBenchmark – Capstone Project Change Proposal1 Unsatisfactory 0-71% 0.00%2 Less Than Satisfactory 72-75% 75.00%3 Satisfactory 76-79% 79.00%4 Good 80-89% 89.00%5 Excellent 90-100% 100.00%60.0 %Content5.0 % BackgroundBackground section is not present.Background section is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Background section is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Background section is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Background section is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Problem StatementProblem statement is not present.Problem statement is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Problem statement is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Problem statement is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Problem statement is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Change Proposal PurposePurpose of change proposal is not present.Purpose of change proposal is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Purpose of change proposal is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Purpose of change proposal is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Purpose of change proposal is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % PICOTPICOT is not present.PICOT is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.PICOT is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.PICOT is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.PICOT is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Literature Search StrategyLiterature search strategy is not present.Literature search strategy is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Literature search strategy is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Literature search strategy is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Literature search strategy is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Literature EvaluationLiterature evaluation is not present.Literature evaluation is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Literature evaluation is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Literature evaluation is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Literature evaluation is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Utilization of Change or Nursing Theory (2.2)Theory utilization is not present.Theory utilization content is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Theory utilization content is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Theory utilization content is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Theory utilization content is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Proposed Implementation Plan with Outcome Measures (3.2)Implementation plan is not present.Implementation plan is present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Implementation plan is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Implementation plan is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Implementation plan is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation, and a discussion of how these could be overcome (2.3)Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation and /or discussion component is not present.Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation with a discussion component is present, but is incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation with a discussion component is present. Some minor details or elements are missing but the omission(s) do not impede understanding.Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation with a discussion component is present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Identification of potential barriers to plan implementation with a discussion component is present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.5.0 % Appendices Inclusive of Practice Immersion Clinical Documentation (1.2)Appendices are not present.Appendices are present, but incomplete or otherwise lacking in required detail.Appendices are present with minor elements missing that do not impede understanding.Appendices are present and complete. The submission provides the basic information required.Appendices are present, complete, and incorporates additional relevant details and critical thinking to engage the reader.10.0 % Evidence of RevisionFinal paper does not demonstrate incorporation of feedback or evidence of revision on research critiques.Incorporation of research critique feedback or evidence of revision is incomplete.Incorporation of research critique feedback and evidence of revision are present.Evidence of incorporation of research critique feedback and revision is clearly provided.Evidence of incorporation of research critique feedback and revision is comprehensive and thoroughly developed.30.0 %Organization and Effectiveness10.0 % Thesis Development and PurposePaper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.10.0 % Argument Logic and ConstructionStatement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.10.0 % Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.10.0 %Format5.0 % Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.All format elements are correct.5.0 % Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)Sources are not documented.Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.100 %Bottom of Form

PICOT STATEMENT

In mothers who choose breastfeeding (P) will education by nurses who possess knowledge within the practice (I) compared to nurses without this knowledge (C) increase the practice of breastfeeding (O) at time of patient discharge (T).

International Journal of Health Sciences, Qassim University, Vol. 9, No. 4 (Oct-Dec 2015)

Knowledge, attitudes, and breast feeding practices of postnatal mothers: A cross sectional survey Poreddi Vijayalakshmi, (1) Susheela T, (2) Mythili D (3) RN, RM, BSN, MSN, Clinical instructor, College of Nursing, (1, 2, 3) National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore. Abstract Background: Breast feeding has several benefits for both the infants and mothers. However, despite strong evidences in support of breast feeding its prevalence has remained low worldwide. The objective of the present study was to examine the knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding and infant feeding practices among Indian postnatal mothers. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among randomly selected postnatal mothers at Pediatric outpatient department at a tertiary care center. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Results: Our findings revealed that a majority (88.5%) of the mothers were breast feeders. However, merely 27% of the mothers were exclusive breast feeders and only 36.9% initiated breast feeding within an hour. While mothers have good knowledge on breast feeding (12.05±1.74, M±SD), the average score of the Iowa Infant Feeding Scale (IIFAS) (58.77±4.74, M ±SD) indicate neutral attitudes toward breast feeding. Mothers those who were currently breast feeding (58.83 ± 4.74) had more positive attitudes than non- breastfeed mothers (45.21±5.22). Conclusion: Our findings also show that the level of exclusive breast-feeding was low. Thus, it is important to provide prenatal education to mothers and fathers on breast-feeding. We also recommend strengthening the public health education campaigns to promote breast-feeding. Keywords: Attitudes, Breast feeding, India, Infant feeding practices, Knowledge, Mothers Corresponding author: Poreddi Vijayalakshmi Clinical Instructor, College of Nursing, Department of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India. Email: pvijayalakshmireddy@gmail.commailto:pvijayalakshmireddy@gmail.com

Knowledge, attitudes, and breast feeding practices of postnatal mothers…

Introduction Breastfeeding is a basic human activity, vital to infant and maternal health and of immense economic value to households and societies. (1) The WHO recommends that for the first six months of life, infants should be exclusively breastfed to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more. (2) Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) is defined as infant feeding with human milk without the addition of any other liquids or solids. (3) The benefits of breast-feeding, to both mother and baby, have long been recognized. (4) Despite strong evidences in support of EBF for the first six months of life, its prevalence has remained low worldwide (5-7) and it is estimated that only about one-third of infants were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. (3) In India, breastfeeding appears to be influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. In 1991, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) was born to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. (8) Further, the Government of India has undertaken National Rural Health Mission, which intends to implement Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) through the existing healthcare delivery system. (9) Poor practices and attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding have been reported to be among the major reasons for poor health outcomes among children, particularly in developing countries. Nonetheless, the promotion and acceptance of practices, such as exclusive breastfeeding, are especially important in developing countries with high levels of poverty, and that are characterized by a high burden of disease and low access to clean water and adequate sanitation. (10) Breastfeeding has declined worldwide in recent years, as a result of urbanization and maternal employment outside the home. Studies in India have also shown a decline in breastfeeding trends, especially in urban areas. (11) Early initiation of breastfeeding is not seen in over 75% of the nation’s children and over 50% of children are not exclusively breastfed. (12) Hence, the low figures for early initiation of breastfeeding in India are a matter

of urgent concern. Although, the practice of breast feeding is influenced by various social, cultural and religious beliefs, maternal infant feeding attitude has been shown to be a stronger independent predictor of breastfeeding initiation. (13) In addition, maternal positive attitudes toward breastfeeding are associated with continuing to be breastfeeding longer and have a greater chance of success. (14) On contrary, negative attitudes of women toward breastfeeding is considered to be a major barrier to initiate and continue to breastfeeding. (15) While, a number of studies have assessed knowledge, attitude and practice of breastfeeding in different parts of the world; such studies are limited among Indian mothers. (16-18) However, there were no reported studies of breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of mothers using the IIFAS (Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale) from India, which may be different from other cultures. Further, maternal attitude is also a concept of interest to health professionals who support breastfeeding. Thus the present study was developed to examine the infant feeding practices, knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding among Indian postnatal mothers’ using the IIFAS. Materials and methods This was a cross sectional study carried out among post natal mothers who attended immunization clinics and the Pediatric Out Patient Department with their children for vaccination and for the treatment of other minor illnesses at a tertiary care hospital in the month of January 2014. Study participants were selected through a random sampling method of the database of children attending the Pediatric outpatient department. Those who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed. The study criteria were; a) mothers of healthy infants aged 6 months, b) born between 37 and 42 gestation weeks, c) and without major birth defects such as congenital heart disease, cleft lip/cleft palate and Down syndrome and d) who volunteered to participate. Mothers of preterm babies, and multiple gestations were excluded. One hundred and thirty eight mothers were enrolled in to the present study. However, the final sample comprised of 122 mothers because of few of the participants (n=12) refused to participate due to lack of interest

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and lack of time and we could not complete the interviews since mothers could not manage the infants (n=4). Data collection Instruments Demographic data survey instrument The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, place of residence, employment, education, family’s monthly income, type of delivery, number of deliveries, current breast feeding practices, exclusive breast feeding and initiation of breast feeding within an hour. Questionnaires Data Collection A structured questionnaire has been used to assess knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding among postnatal mothers. This questionnaire has two sections; Section A: This part of questionnaire was developed by the researchers based on the review of literature and past experiences. There were 15 items (3 negatively worded items) to measure knowledge of the participants towards breastfeeding. Each item in the knowledge section of the questionnaire had 3 possible responses, namely True, False, and not sure. One mark was awarded for every correct response, zero otherwise. Hence, the total number of marks in the knowledge section ranged from 0 to 15. This part of questionnaire was validated by twelve nursing and obstetrics experts. Section B: The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS) was used to assess mothers’ attitudes toward breastfeeding. (19) The scale included 17 attitude items to determine level of agreement to each question. A 5-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree was applied to all questions. Approximately half of the questions were negatively worded (i.e. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 17). Total IIFAS score ranged from 17 to 85 with higher scores reflecting more positive attitudes on breastfeeding. Total scores were grouped into three groups (1) positive to breastfeeding (70- 85), (2) neutral (49-69), and positive to formula feeding (17-48). The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS) is a valid and reliable

measure (Cronbach’s alpha scores ranges from (.85-.86) that evaluates breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in cross-cultural settings. (20-22) Data collection procedure After obtaining the permission from hospital authorities, all mothers were given an explanation of purpose of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from the mothers who were willing to participate in the study. Data were collected by the researchers through face-to-face interview, in a private room at the treatment facilities where the participants were recruited. It took approximately 25 minutes to complete the structured questionnaire. Though, it was not part of the study, researchers educated the mothers about the importance of continuing breast feeding up to 2 years. Ethical consideration Written consent was obtained from the participants and they were given freedom to quit the study. Participants’ confidentiality was respected. Statistical analysis Responses of the negatively worded items were reversed before data analysis. The data were analyzed using statistical software and results were presented in narratives and tables. The relationship between IIFAS scores and socio-demographic variables was tested by using correlation, t-tests, or a one-way analysis of variance. The significance level for all statistical analysis was set at 0.05. Results Sample description The sample of the present study comprised of postpartum mothers (N=122) of whom 71.3% (n=87) belonged to 20-25ys age group. The mean age of the participants was 23.07±3.50 (M±SD) and average income was Rs/- 2.655±1.48 (M±SD). The majorities (66.4%) of them were Hindus and were from rural background (64.8%). More than three fourth of the participants were homemakers (77.8%) and had normal delivery. Nearly half of the participants were illiterate and primary educated (49.2%). Although most of the mothers (88.5%) were breastfeeding their infants, merely 27% of the mothers were

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exclusive breast feeders and 36.9% initiated breastfeeding within an hour of delivery (Table1). Table 2 shows the mothers knowledge towards breastfeeding. The majority of the mothers agreed that colostrums is first breast milk (96.7%) and is important to maintain the immunity of the baby (99.2%). While, 85.2% felt that exclusive breast milk to be given during first 6 months, only 68% stated that breastfeeding should be continued up to 2 years. Similarly most of the mothers were aware of the importance of burping after each feed (91.8%), importance of taking healthy food (98.4%) and breast feeding helps in mother and child bonding (97.5%). All the mothers stated that mothers should sit comfortably during breastfeeding. However, 40.2% of the mothers opined that breast feed can affect the beauty of the feeding mothers and 56.6% stated that breastfeeding should be stopped when they start weaning the baby. Nonetheless, the average scores (12.05±1.74, M±SD) indicate that mothers have good knowledge about breastfeeding. Concerning attitudes of the mothers towards breast-feeding, the majority of the participants agreed that breastfeeding is more convenient than formula feeding (83.6%) and increases mother infant bonding (73.8%). While 26.2% of the mothers disagreed, half (50%) of them were neutral to the statement “breast milk is lacking in iron”. However 36.9% of the participants opined that “formula feeding is the better choice if the mother plans to go

back to work”. Of the mothers, 57.4% agreed that formula feed miss one of the great joys of motherhood and fathers doesn’t feel left out if a mother breastfeeds (81.2%). Nearly three fourths of the participants agreed that the women can breastfeed in public places such as restaurants (75.4%). The majority stated that breast milk is ideal for the babies (89.3%), easily digested (83.6%) and healthy for an infant than formula (82.8%). More than half (50.8%) of the mothers felt that the mother who occasionally drinks alcohol should not breast- feed the baby. However, the average score of the IIFAS (58.77±4.74, M±SD) lay in the range of ‘neutral breastfeeding attitudes’. Most of the individual items had a mean score over 3 and only three items had a mean score less than 3, indicating that most of the mothers had neutral to positive attitude towards breastfeeding (Table 3). Mothers from urban background (60.23±4.11, p < .012) and monthly income above Rs 2500/- had higher IIFAS scores, indicating more favorable attitudes towards breastfeeding. There was also significant difference with regard to current breast feeding practices (p< .000). Mothers those who were currently breastfeeding (58.83 ± 4.74) had more positive attitudes than non- breastfeeding mothers (45.21±5.22) did. Although there were no significant differences found, older aged mothers (60.00±5.40) and homemakers (59.13 ± 4.72) had more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding than the other participants (Table 4).

Table 1. Socio demographic characteristics of the participants

Demographic variables Group Frequency Percentage Age in years <19 13 10.6

20-25 87 71.3 26-30 18 14.8 >31 4 3.3

Income <2500 78 64 2501-5000 36 29.5 5001-10000 8 6.5

Marital status Married 122 100 Religion

Hindu 81 66. Muslim 41 33.6

Background

Rural 79 64.8 Urban 43 35.2

Employment Employed 18 14.8

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Labour 9 7.4 Homemaker 95 77.8

Education Illiterate 21 17.2 Primary 39 32 Secondary 51 41.8 Puc 9 7.4 Degree and above

2 1.6

Type of delivery Normal 91 74.6 Caesarian 31 25.4

Gravida Primi 69 56.6 Multigravida 53 43.4

Current Breast feeding practices

Yes 108 88.5 No 14 11.5

Exclusive breast feeding Yes 33 27 No 89 73

Breast feeding initiation within an hour

Yes No

45 77

36.9 63.1

Table 2. Mothers’ knowledge regarding breastfeeding Variables

True False

Mean ± SD

f % F % Colostrum is first breast milk 118 96.7 4 3.3 0.96 ± 0.17 Colostrum is important for the baby to maintain immunity 121 99.2 1 0.8 0.99 ± 0.09 Burping should be done after each feed 112 91.8 10 8.2 0.93 ± 0.30 Breast feeding should be continued Up to 2 years 83 68 39 32 0.68 ± 0.46 Exclusive breast milk can be given during first 6 months 104 85.2 18 14.8 0.85 ±0.35 Lactating mother should take healthy food to improve secretion of milk

120 98.4 2 1.6 0.98 ± 0.12

During breastfeeding the mother should sit comfortably 122 100 0 0 1.00 ± 0.00 During breastfeeding the mother should maintain eye to eye contact and talk with the baby

113 92.6 9 7.4 0.92 ± 0.26

Wash each breast with warm water before breast feeding 105 86.1 17 13.9 0.86 ±0.34 Awakening the baby while breastfeeding 74 60.7 48 39.3 0.60 ±0.49 Breast feeding helps in mother and child bonding 119 97.5 3 2.5 0.97 ±0.15 Breast feeding can prevent diseases affecting breast 116 95.1 6 4.9 0.95 ±0.21 Breastfeed affect the beauty of feeding mothers 49 40.2 73 59.8 0.40 ±0.49 Mother should not feed the child when she has diarrhea 44 36.1 78 63.9 0.36 ±0.48 Stop breastfeeding when you start weaning 69 56.6 53 43.4 0.56 ±0.49

Mean Knowledge score 12.05±1.74 f- frequency, SD- Standard Deviation

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Table 3. Mothers’ attitudes towards breastfeeding on IIFA Scale Variables Disagree Neutral Agree Mean (SD)

f % f % F % The benefits of breast milk last only as long as the baby is breast fed* 73 59.8 13 10.7 36 29.5 3.43 ± 1.05 Formula feeding is more convenient than breastfeeding 102 83.6 8 6.6 12 9.8 3.90 ± 0.78

Breastfeeding increases mother infant bonding 16 13.1 16 13.1 90 73.8 3.58 ± 0.89

Breast milk is lacking in iron* 32 26.2 61 50 29 23.8 3.12 ± 1.04 Formula fed babies are more likely to be overfed than breastfed babies 81 66.3 14 11.5 27 22.2 2.49 ± 0.98

Formula feeding is the better choice if the mother plans to go back to work* 69 56.5 8 6.6 45 36.9 3.40 ± 1.19

Mothers who formula feed miss one of the great joys of motherhood 35 28.7 17 13.9 70 57.4 3.25 ± 1.07 Women should not breastfeed in public places such as restaurants 92 75.4 6 4.9 24 19.7 3.77 ± 1.05

Breastfed babies are healthier than formula fed babies 27 22.1 3 2.5 92 75.4 3.60 ± 1.08

Breastfed babies are more likely to be overfed than formula fed babies 28 23 19 15.6 75 61.4 2.59 ± 0.99

Fathers feel left out if a mother breast feeds* 99 81.2 13 10.7 10 8.2 3.84 ± 0.72 Breast milk is the ideal food for babies 11 9.1 2 1.6 109 89.3 3.93 ± 0.89 Breast milk is more easily digested than formula 18 14.8 2 1.6 102 83.6 3.77 ± 0.91

Formula is as healthy for an infant as breast milk* 101 82.8 4 3.3 17 13.9 3.99 ± 0.94

Breastfeeding is more convenient than formula 25 20.5 0 0 97 79.5 3.60 ± 1.08 Breast milk is cheaper than formula 12 9.8 3 2.5 107 87.7 3.82±0.85 A mother who occasionally drinks alcohol should not breastfeed her baby* 28 23 32 26.2 62 50.8 2.62±1.11

Mean attitude score 58.77 ± 4.74 * Reverse scored items

Table 4. Differences in demographic factors and total attitude scores Demographic variables Group (N=122) Mean (SD) P-value

Age in years

<25 (n=100) 58.51(4.57) 0.184 >25 (n=22) 60.00(5.40)

Religion Hindu (n=81) 58.83(4.90) 0.839 Muslim (n=41) 58.65(4.48)

Background

Rural (n=79) 57.98(4.90) 0.012* Urban (n=43) 60.23(4.11)

Income

<2500 (n=78) 57.91(4.45) 0.007* >2500(n=44) 60.31(4.90)

Employment

Employed (n=28) 57.57(4.70) 0.126 Home makers (n=94) 59.13(4.72)

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Education

Illiterate (n=60) 59.50(4.94) 0.099 Literate (n=62) 58.08(4.47)

Type of delivery

Normal (n=91) 58.40(4.54) 0.139 Caeserian (n=31) 59.87(5.22)

Gravid

Primi (n=69) 58.91(4.76) 0.723 Multipara(n=53) 58.60(4.76)

Current Breast feeding practice

Yes (n=108) 58.83(4.74) 0.000* No (n=14) 45.21(5.22)

Exclusive breast feeding Yes (n=33) No (n=89)

59.16(4.96) 57.72(3.97)

0.137

Breast feeding initiation within an hour

Yes (n=45) No (n=77)

58.80(4.92) 58.73(4.48)

0.936

* Significance at p <0.05 Discussion To our best knowledge, this was the first study that examined knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding among postnatal mothers using an internationally standardized tool (IIFAS) in India. Although, the present study demonstrated good knowledge among Indian mothers, they hold neutral attitudes toward breastfeed indicating room for improvement. In the present study, majority (88.5%) of the mothers were breast feeding their infants. While, 85.2% of the mothers were aware of EBF, merely 27% were exclusive breast feeders. These findings are supported by previous studies from different parts of the world. (23,24) However, the low prevalence of EBF at six months of age in our study (27%) was substantially lower than previous studies (25) but higher than a recent studies from India (7.8% and 16.5%) (26, 27) New Guinea (17%), (28) and Nigeria. (29) Further, studies indicate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at six months is generally low in low resource countries and varies from 9% (30) to 40%. (16) The majority of the mothers started supplementary feed at 4-6 months of age and the reasons given by them were; insufficient milk, to calm down the baby and believed that breast milk alone is insufficient for a growing baby. Published reports indicate that insufficient milk supply was the most common reason cited by the women for weaning. This finding was similar to those found in other studies. (14,31) In a recent evaluation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),

exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months was considered as one of the most effective interventions to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDG-4). (30) However, breastfeeding promotion interventions in developing countries have been shown to result in a six fold increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months. (32) According to Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF, 2006) guidelines, Government of India recommends that initiation of breastfeeding should begin immediately after birth, preferably within one hour. (33) Though, majority of the mothers delivered normally and in the hospital, only 36.9% of the mothers stated that they had initiated breastfeeding within an hour. Most common reasons for delay in initiation of breastfeeding as cited by the mothers were; delay in shifting the mothers from labor room, babies were in neonatal ICU, Caesarean section and family restriction. This is higher than the studies conducted from different parts of the world ranging from 6.3% to 31%. (17, 25, 34, 35) On the contrary, few studies demonstrated higher rate of breastfeeding initiation 38% (36) 53% (37) and 72.2%. (25) However, the data in various studies in India shows that initiation rates vary from 16 to 54.5%. (38) These findings indicate health professionals to be made aware about the importance of initiating early breastfeeding is an urgent concern. In the present study, 85.2% of the mothers were aware of EBF. This finding is consistent with previous results that lactating mothers from developing countries have good

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knowledge of EBF. (25, 39) Similarly, 68% mothers in the current study felt that they should continue breastfeeding till the age of 2 years. This finding is consistent with a recent study that found 75% mothers were aware that they should continue breastfeeding till the age of 2 years. (35) Mothers who breastfed at 6 months had a higher average score (58.83 ± 4.74) on the IIFAS than their non-breastfeeding counterparts (45.21±5.22) and significant difference was observed (p< .000). Previous studies also have shown that mothers who do not breastfeed have negative attitudes towards breastfeeding. (40) Most mothers had low attitude scores towards “Breast milk is lacking in iron”, “Formula fed babies are more likely to be overfed than breastfed babies” and “A mother who occasionally drinks alcohol should not breastfeed her baby” and indicated future promotion program should improve these knowledge and attitudes. On the other hand, consonance with previous reports about breastfeeding, most of the mothers in this study agrees that breastfeeding promotes mother-baby bonding. (41) A number of studies also enlightened that there are psychological benefits for both mother and infant as the act of breastfeeding is a time of physical contact and closeness which nurtures the bond between the two. (42, 43) In line with previous research, mothers from urban background had higher score on IIFAS and indicate more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. (23) Maternal education has been described as one of the strongest determinants of the practice of EBF. (44) Though, no difference was found between education and attitudes score, surprisingly, in our study illiterate mothers (59.50 ± 4.94) than literate mothers (58.08 ±4.47) hold better positive attitudes toward breast feeding. This finding is similar to results from Jordan where less educated women were more likely to breastfeed than women of higher education level. (45) Studies indicate that mothers with higher family income had better attitudes towards breastfeeding and similar finding was observed in the study sample. (46, 47) Mothers with income higher than 2500 Rs/- (57.91±4.45) had better attitudes than mothers with low income (60.31± 4.90) and significant difference was found (p< .007). Though, statistically significant difference was not found between attitude scores and

age, employment. Mothers older than 25 years and homemakers had more positive attitudes toward breast feeding. This finding is consistent with previous reports that showed high rates of awareness of EBF among older groups (47) and homemakers. (41) These findings can be attributed to homemakers who can focus on motherhood than working women. Studies have found a direct correlation between positive attitude to breastfeeding and optimal EBF practice. (15, 48, 49) The mothers in the present study had adequate knowledge and neutral attitudes toward breast feeding. These findings were supported by a recent study that found most mothers had neutral knowledge and attitude on breastfeeding. (47) Limitations The present study has certain limitations such as cross sectional in nature, all the participants were at 6 months postpartum and small sample size that made difficult to generalize the findings. Future research should be focused on larger sample and qualitative studies such as focus group interviews to identify barriers to promote breast feeding among Indian mothers. Further, perceptions of health care providers towards breast feeding may provide greater understanding of the social and cultural beliefs in maternal and child health care practices postpartum. However, despite of these limitations, the present study findings may be helpful to the clinicians and nursing professionals in designing the interventions to promote breast feeding practices. Conclusions The present study concludes that the mothers have a very good knowledge and neutral attitudes toward breast feeding. Our findings also show that the level of exclusive breast feeding was low among Indian mothers. Thus, it is important to provide prenatal education to mothers and fathers on breast feeding. We also recommend strengthening the public health education campaigns to promote breast feeding. Acknowledgement Researchers thank all the participants for their valuable contribution.

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