2010 - International Lactation Consultant Association

Methods: A pilot study with a quasi-experimental two group post-test design was used to test
one hypothesis: grandmothers who participate in the intervention will demonstrate greater
scores for attitudes, knowledge, and intent to recommend breastfeeding than those in the
control group. The experimental group attended an interactive educational event, a
grandmother’s tea; the control group received materials written for grandmothers. Instruments
used: Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, a 20-item objective knowledge test, and a visual
analog scale.
Results: The convenience sample was comprised of 49 grandmothers (experimental n=26;
control n=23). An independent t-test found that the intervention group (M = 18.58, SD = 1.27)
had greater post-test knowledge scores than the control group (M =17.61; SD = 1.62; p =
.023), but had no significant differences in intent. A multivariate analysis of variance was run on
the conceptual factors of the Iowa scale. Examination of univariate effects showed that the
experimental group (M = 4.36) had higher scores on attitudes related to valuing breastfeeding
than did the control group (M = 3.97) (F = 5.19; p = .027).
Discussion: Participation in the grandmothers’ tea appears to affect knowledge and some
attitudes. More investigation of grandmothers’ attitudes and their impact on breastfeeding
support are needed.
LOOKING AT THE FUTURE NOW: EXPLORING THE PERCEPTION OF UNMARRIED IN-
SCHOOL NIGERIAN ADOLESCENTS TOWARDS BREASTFEEDING
Olukemi Sabageh, MBBS, MD, MPH; Yinyinade Ijadunola, MB, ChB, MD, MPH; Olorunfemi
Ogundele, MB, ChB, MD; Akinlolu Omisore, MB, ChB, MD
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital
Ile-Ife, Osun state 220005 Nigeria
+234-803-315-9030; ksabageh@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Background: The superiority of breast milk compared to other milk for the nourishment of
infants offering better benefits has been established by various researchers. In Nigeria however,
young infants may not benefit from such practices as a result of poor knowledge and attitude
towards breast feeding practice. The knowledge of breastfeeding should start early as possible
because this will influence future choices. Adolescents are seen as “gatekeepers to health”, their
behavior and sexuality are important contemporary issues because behavioral patterns acquired
during this period tend to last throughout adult life.
Goals: This study therefore aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitude of unmarried inschool
adolescents towards breastfeeding and identifying factors influencing their future choices.
Methods: The design was cross-sectional in nature. Four hundred secondary school respondents,
aged 10-19 years, were selected using a multistage sampling technique and self administered
questionnaires were administered.
Results: 400 respondents were interviewed 51.5% (206) of which were male and 48.5 %( 194)
were females with a mean age of 14.82 years. Even though the knowledge about breastfeeding
and its health benefits were adequate among respondents with 89.2% knowing that breast milk
is protective, their attitude were poor as 57.5 % felt mothers should not breast feed even with
modest anywhere.
Conclusion: The important predictors of breastfeeding are knowledge and social influences. This
has great implications for health promotion on breastfeeding among the young people.