Influencing Factors on Breastfeeding Nursing Activities of Nursing Students

Yang, Ya Ki

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to examine the relationships among knowledge, attitudes and nursing activities while breastfeeding among nursing students, and to identify factors influencing nursing activities in breastfeeding.
METHODS
The research participants were 172 nursing students in the nursing departments of 3 universities located in G city and J provinces. The students had successfully completed their obstetric and pediatric clinical practice courses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression.
RESULTS
Participants' scores for knowledge, attitudes and nursing activities while breastfeeding were 16.24±2.73, 3.74±0.43 and 3.49±0.43, respectively. Knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding had positive correlations with nursing activities while breastfeeding. Factors influencing nursing students' nursing activities while breastfeeding included knowledge, attitudes toward breastfeeding, grade, breastfeeding educational experience, and breastfeeding intentions. These variables explained 18% of the variance in nursing activities while breastfeeding.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, it would be beneficial to enhance knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding by developing education programs for breastfeeding.