A Descriptive Study to Assess the Paternal Knowledge and Attitude towards Exclusive Breastfeeding in a Selected Tertiary Care Setting, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the paternal knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding using
a descriptive research design. The sample size consisted of 125 fathers of children in the age group of ?
6 months to 2 years of age. A Convenient Sampling was used for selecting the fathers. The demographic
profile of the fathers and infants was assessed through a structured interview. Paternal Knowledge and
Attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding was assessed with the help of a self-administered Questionnaire
and a self-administered Opinionnaire.
The Study findings revealed that nearly 74% of fathers had good knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding
and nearly 69% of fathers had positive attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding. Study also revealed a
positive correlation (r=0.32) between paternal knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding. A
statistically significant association was found between paternal knowledge and paternal age, family type and
residence at p<0.05 and a statistical significant correlation was found between paternal attitude and paternal
age, employment status, family type, NICU stay of infant and residence at 5% level of significance (p<0.05).
The study helped to conclude that fathers are aware about Exclusive breastfeeding and fathers with good
knowledge had a positive attitude towards Exclusive breastfeeding. Hence fathers can be a source of great
support to their partners and help to promote the culture of Exclusive breastfeeding.