Kidane Tadesse Gebremariam1,2, Oksana Zelenko3, Afework Mulugeta4, Danielle Gallegos5. 1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. kidanetadesse.gebremariam@hdr.qut.eu.au. 2. School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. kidanetadesse.gebremariam@hdr.qut.eu.au. 3. School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. 4. School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 5. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is considered the biological norm and essential to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Mothers are responsible for breastfeeding but the support of others, including their partners is an influential determinant. The aim of this study was to compare antenatal breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and perceived breastfeeding support of expectant couples in Mekelle, Ethiopia. METHODS: As part of a randomised controlled trial of an mHealth intervention, 128 couples in their third trimester from three selected health centres in Mekelle city were recruited to participate between September and October 2018. Couples who each had a personal mobile phone, read and spoke Tigrigna, and lived together were included. Baseline data on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and perceived support (breastfeeding savvy, help, appreciation, presence and responsiveness) were collected using previously validated tools through interview by health workers. RESULTS: Compared to mothers, male partners were more likely to indicate their intention to provide breastfeeding appreciation (p = 0.02), breastfeeding presence (p = 0.002), and breastfeeding responsiveness (p = 0.04). The mothers' prenatal perception of their partners' intended breastfeeding support was lower than fathers' perceptions to support their partners. Multiparous mothers had more positive perceptions regarding their partners' breastfeeding savvy (p = 0.03), and breastfeeding help (p = 0.02) compared to primiparous mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Fathers in Ethiopia are potentially strong supporters of breastfeeding practice. Future breastfeeding interventions should promote the involvement of fathers in breastfeeding and encourage mothers to increase their partners' involvement in breastfeeding.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is considered the biological norm and essential to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Mothers are responsible for breastfeeding but the support of others, including their partners is an influential determinant. The aim of this study was to compare antenatal breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and perceived breastfeeding support of expectant couples in Mekelle, Ethiopia. METHODS: As part of a randomised controlled trial of an mHealth intervention, 128 couples in their third trimester from three selected health centres in Mekelle city were recruited to participate between September and October 2018. Couples who each had a personal mobile phone, read and spoke Tigrigna, and lived together were included. Baseline data on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and perceived support (breastfeeding savvy, help, appreciation, presence and responsiveness) were collected using previously validated tools through interview by health workers. RESULTS: Compared to mothers, male partners were more likely to indicate their intention to provide breastfeeding appreciation (p = 0.02), breastfeeding presence (p = 0.002), and breastfeeding responsiveness (p = 0.04). The mothers' prenatal perception of their partners' intended breastfeeding support was lower than fathers' perceptions to support their partners. Multiparous mothers had more positive perceptions regarding their partners' breastfeeding savvy (p = 0.03), and breastfeeding help (p = 0.02) compared to primiparous mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Fathers in Ethiopia are potentially strong supporters of breastfeeding practice. Future breastfeeding interventions should promote the involvement of fathers in breastfeeding and encourage mothers to increase their partners' involvement in breastfeeding.
Entities:
Keywords:
Attitude; Breastfeeding; Comparison; Knowledge; Parents; Support
Authors: Cesar G Victora; Rajiv Bahl; Aluísio J D Barros; Giovanny V A França; Susan Horton; Julia Krasevec; Simon Murch; Mari Jeeva Sankar; Neff Walker; Nigel C Rollins Journal: Lancet Date: 2016-01-30 Impact factor: 79.321