Child Health Nurs Res.  2013 Apr;19(2):76-84.

Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Nursing Practice of Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

• Ra JS
• Chae SM

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to describe breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and nursing practice of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.
METHODS
Survey methodology using a self administered questionnaire was employed as the research design. A total of 153 questionnaires from 7 university hospital NICUs in Seoul, Daejeon, and Daegu were used for data analysis.
RESULTS
The percentage of correct answers on the breastfeeding knowledge questions for the NICU nurses was 59.3%. The nurses in NICU reported a somewhat positive attitude to breastfeeding, mean per item 3.70+/-0.41 on a scale of 5 points. Their breastfeeding nursing practice was at a moderate level, mean per item, 3.26+/-0.74. Breastfeeding knowledge had significant correlations with breastfeeding attitude (r=.554, p<.001) and nursing practice (r=.203, p=.002). Also, There was a significant correlation between breastfeeding attitude and nursing practice (r=.243, p=.002).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that breastfeeding educational programs and strategies for NICU nurses should be developed to increase their breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and nursing practice.

Keyword

Breastfeeding; Neonatal intensive care units; Knowledge; Attitude; Practical nursing

MeSH Terms

Breast Feeding
Surveys and Questionnaires
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Nursing, Practical
Research Design
Surveys and Questionnaires