Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Pediatric Medical Surgical Nurses on Breastfeeding: Basis for Capacity Building Plan

Abstract

Breastfeeding in pediatric medical-surgical units has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of various complications in hospitalized neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, infections, retinopathy of prematurity, and chronic lung disease. Furthermore, breastfeeding lowers both the incidence and mortality rates associated with long-term neurological injuries, making it particularly crucial for vulnerable populations such as preterm infants. Pediatric medical-surgical nurses play an essential role as advocates and facilitators of breastfeeding practices for hospitalized newborns, directly influencing the quality of care provided in these settings. Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, the lack of standardized management guidelines for neonatal breastfeeding across hospitals has created challenges for nursing staff in both educating families and implementing consistent breastfeeding practices. These inconsistencies may hinder the overall effectiveness of breastfeeding initiatives in improving neonatal health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pediatric medical-surgical nurses regarding neonatal breastfeeding. By utilizing comprehensive questionnaires, the study assessed the current level of understanding, attitudes toward breastfeeding, and practical application of breastfeeding practices among local pediatric medical-surgical nurses. The findings from this research provided valuable insights into the specific factors that influence nursing practices and guided the development of standardized protocols and training programs. These efforts were intended to improve the implementation of neonatal breastfeeding practices, thereby enhancing health outcomes for hospitalized infants.