ABSTRACT
Background: Physicians play a crucial role in the promotion and support of breastfeeding. Although many studies have been conducted to evaluate the knowledge about breastfeeding in mothers, few studies are found in literature discussing the knowledge and practice of physicians regarding breastfeeding .To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical practitioners about breastfeeding at a tertiary care hospital
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 physicians of Ziauddin University belonging to the specialties of Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, General Medicine and Family Medicine. The participants filled a structured questionnaire after informed consent. Data was analyzed on SPSS 20.0. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages while continuous variables were presented as mean. P value of <0.05 was considered significant
Results: A total of 200 medical practitioners participated in the study. 97% of the respondents recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Formula feeding was also considered equally acceptable by 66.5%. Pre-lacteal feeds were forbidden by 74% and 82% of the participants had not attended any Continuing Medical Education [CME] program on breastfeeding in the last 03 years
Conclusion: The shortcomings in the breastfeeding counseling skills of physicians and in their ability to manage lactational problems need to be addressed. A written hospital policy on breastfeeding is mandatory
ABSTRACT
To identify the factors, causing the early termination of breast feeding i.e. from birth to six months of age. A cross sectional study. Outpatient Department of Ziauddin Medical University, Kemari Campus, Karachi. June 2008 to December. 2008. A structured questionnaire was put to mothers of children up to two years of age attending the outpatient department of pediatrics. Significant associations existed between the early termination of breast feeding and family income, family structure [nuclear vs. extended], mode of delivery, delayed in initiation of breast feeding early weaning and antenatal counseling with a p-value of <0.05. Provision of adequate prenatal counseling, early initiation, proper economical and environmental support, backup and encouragement are key factors associated with prolonged breast feeding among women
ABSTRACT
To determine what surgical techniques are used by obstetricians in Pakistan for caesarean section operations and to compare it with the recommendation, proposal and guidelines of Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynecologist [RCOG] and Cochrane Reviews. A questionnaire was set up regarding surgical technique used during caesarean section and one hundred obstetricians were part of study. Hospitals in two large cities of Pakistan i.e. Karachi and Rawalpindi were requested to fill them. Jan 2009 to June 2009. Substantial and remarkable and difference noted in the practice of caesarean section among the obstetricians. Certain practices and procedures performed by our obstetrician are same as proved to be beneficial and valuable based on evidence and recommended by the RCOG and Cochrane Data on pregnancy. We observed that our obstetricians follow different surgical techniques for performing caesarean section. Some of the techniques follow recommendations by RCOG and provide to effective and beneficial by cochrane data