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
Background: A high prevalence rate of neonatal and adult tetanus in Pakistan reflects the failure of health care systems to provide adequate immunization. Health care workers [HCWs] of emergency departments [ED] are generally at the frontline to deal with patients of road traffic accidents, trauma and burns. However, it has been observed that these patients receive incomplete preventive measures to combat tetanus
Objective: To assess the knowledge of tetanus immunization among healthcare workers [HCW] of the emergency department [ED] at a tertiary care hospital
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 104 HCWs of ED of Ziauddin University. A structured questionnaire was filled by HCWs during April and May 2014. Data were analyzed on SPSS 20.0. Categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage, while continuous variables were presented as mean. P value of <0.05 was considered significant
Results: Total 104 HCWs from ED participated in the study. Only 11.8% [12] HCWs were aware of the correct dosing schedule in children under 12 years of age. 56.3% [58] and 68% [70] were aware of correct schedule in adult population and in pregnant females, respectively. Knowledge of tetanus immunization in different types of wounds according to previous immunization status of patients was also found inadequate
Conclusion: HCWs of ED have inadequate knowledge about tetanus prone injuries and its immunization, which needs to be addressed