Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Young Mothers in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Young mothers (≤ 24 years) consistently face substantial challenges that result in lower breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates than adult mothers.

To evaluate young mothers' breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices in South Korea, and to examine the relationships among these variables.

From March to April 2025, a nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 170 mothers aged ≤ 24 years at the time of childbirth. Breastfeeding knowledge was measured using a modified 10-item scale, breastfeeding attitudes were assessed using a 20-item scale, and breastfeeding practices were classified according to the World Health Organization infant feeding classification. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlations.

The ever-breastfeeding rate was 78.2% and the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months was 15.3%. The mean breastfeeding knowledge score was 5.10 ± 2.33 (out of 10), and the mean breastfeeding attitude score was 67.27 ± 16.42 (out of 100). Significant positive correlations were observed between breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (knowledge-attitudes: r = .24; knowledge-practices: r = .34; attitudes-practices: r = .56; all p < 0.01).

Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes were positively associated with breastfeeding practices among young mothers. These findings support the development of targeted breastfeeding education and support programs for this population.