Evaluation of the Effect of BFHI (Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) Developed by WHO/UNICEF

Kim, Kyung Ah; Shin, Son Moon; Lee, Keun

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
In Korea, the BFHI (Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) committee organized in the Korean Committee for UNICEF in 1992, and continued to promote breastfeeding more than 10 years, we need reassess the designated hospitals and BFHI program. As a part of BFHI program, the committee continued to train health care personnels to carry out promotion of breastfeeding since 1994. The curriculum, contents and methods of the training course needs re-evaluation.
METHODS
The breastfeeding rates in the BF (Baby-Friendly) hospitals and non-BF hospitals are compared. Changes of the breastfeeding rate before and after designation in baby friendly hospitals are evaluated. The education program for the health care personnels to promote successful breastfeeding are evaluated.
RESULTS
The exclusively breastfeeding rates during hospitalization are higher in the BF hospitals than non-BF hospitals (p=0.026). The self assessment scores higher in the BF hospitals than non-BF hospitals (41.3 vs 31.5, p=0.001). Average breastfeeding rate of BF hospitals maintained 3.9 years after accredition (52.65% vs 47.62%). Education program for the health care personnels were satisfied in 82.8%. The score increased from 9.24 before the education course to 12.0 at 1 month after education (p=0.000) and remained as 12.19 at 3~6 months after education.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed BFHI program improved breastfeeding rates and maintained high in the BF hospitals. Health care personnels who trained through education courses held by the Korean Committee for UNICEF assisted in the promotion of breastfeeding. This results can be used as a basic data for the planning of the breastfeeding promotion program in the future.