Breast feeding practice and misinformation among women in Iraq, a cross sectional study
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Keywords
breastfeeding, misconceptions
Abstract
Despite the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding, initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding are still unsatisfactorily low. This is because of the customs and traditions prevailing in our society. Mothers should come out of their culture through more awareness. In this research estimates of the degree of myths-related concepts and misinformation among the potentially lactating women have been studied in different communities to get more aware. The study was based on an internet survey. Survey included questions about the common information and misinformation spread in the community regarding infant feeding. A multivariable linear regression analysis using the demographic variables as independent variables and the final score as the dependent variable has been used. Basra showed a higher mean misinformation score regarding infant feeding, non-married women, and lower school graduation. Misinformation regarding infant feeding was found in a higher score in those who are below 20 years, unmarried women, and those with low education. Thus, breastfeeding practice is low, and Misinformation is high and is significantly related to age, marital status, education level. The most misinforming facts that had been attributed were advice from relatives, primary health care education, and internet were major sources of information about infant feeding among participants.
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