Baccalaureate nursing students' breastfeeding knowledge: a descriptive survey

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Effective breastfeeding support is vital for infant and maternal health.
• Nursing students require comprehensive knowledge to provide adequate breastfeeding counsel.
• Current obstetric nursing curricula may not sufficiently cover breastfeeding best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the breastfeeding knowledge of baccalaureate nursing students post-obstetric course.
• To identify gaps in student understanding of breastfeeding recommendations and management.
• To inform curriculum improvements for better-prepared nursing graduates.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive survey design was employed.
• Participants included 80 junior and senior baccalaureate nursing students.
• Knowledge was assessed using a survey instrument with a maximum score of 100.

Main Results:

• The sample mean knowledge score was 60 (range: 35-85).
• 85% of students incorrectly believed breastfeeding duration was less than one year.
• Only five students knew proper mastitis management, and 41.3% opposed public breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in nursing students' breastfeeding knowledge.
• Obstetric nursing curricula require strengthening in both theoretical and clinical aspects.
• Improved student knowledge will enhance novice nurses' ability to support breastfeeding mothers and meet public health objectives.