BREAST-FEEDING KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND BARRIERS AMONG WORKING AND NON-WORKING MOTHERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine | ||
| Volume 49, Issue 3, September 2025, Pages 71-85 PDF (579.35 K) | ||
| Document Type: Study paper | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2025.372651.1367 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ahmed SM; Fekry CM; Sayed SM; Walieldein AN* | ||
| Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Introduction: Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to feed the baby. However, it can be particularly challenging for working mothers due to obstacles such as lack of time, insufficient facilities, and restricted maternity leave. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive workplace policies that support breastfeeding. Aim of Work: To compare knowledge, practice, and barriers to breastfeeding among working and non-working mothers in the Minia district, highlighting the challenges unique to each group. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 460 mothers with at least one child less than two years of age. Participants were recruited from five maternal and child health care units at Minia district. Data was collected by a validated and structured interview-based Arabic questionnaire covering aspects of knowledge, practice, and barriers to breastfeeding. Results: Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher among educated and working mothers. The most frequent cause behind stopping breastfeeding was thoughts that the mother did not have enough milk (23.69%). The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was higher among non-working mothers (51.5%) compared to working mothers (49.8%), the difference wasn't statistically significant (P=0.72). The majority of working mothers who reported exclusive breastfeeding (76.8%) were working less than 8 hours. Conclusion and Recommendations: Knowledge and practices regarding breastfeeding showed significant differences in most of the aspects between working and non-working mothers. There is a dire and ongoing need to promote knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding. It is recommended that healthcare providers and policymakers plan effective breastfeeding promotion programs and create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Breastfeeding; Working females; Knowledge; Practice and Barriers | ||
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