Breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among sixth year medical students in Jordan

Previous reports have demonstrated that counseling about breastfeeding can improve the rate and initiation duration of breastfeeding. However, those medical students are ill-prepared for this role. It is unclear whether medical students would provide the knowledge and skills necessary for effective breastfeeding promotion or not in Jordan. The aim of this study was to identify breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among 6th year medical students in their final year at The Jordan University of Science and Technology [JUST]. A 28-item self-administered questionnaire; containing three sections: knowledge [13 items] attitude [7 items] and demographic [3 items], were distributed randomly to medical students. The random sample consisted of 234 medical students who were in their final year. The questionnaire assessed both breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge. The results were explained taking into consideration gender and being a parent. Mean attitude's score for participants without children was 46.7 as compared to 44.0 for those with children. The results showed similar negative attitude toward breastfeeding among both male and female participants regardless of having children or not [p=0.35]. This means that there were no significant difference in attitudes toward breastfeeding among male and female students whether they are having children or not. On the other hand, the mean knowledge score was 22.9 for male participants while it was 21.55 for female participants, indicating some degree of breastfeeding knowledge among participants [p=0.035]. However, having personal experience with breastfeeding [self or partner] did not increased breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge [p=0.35 vs. p=0.93, respectively]. Medical students have significant educational needs in the area of breastfeeding management and breastfeeding education. Further targeted training is needed to improve both breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge

Early neonatal death at a teaching hospital in Jordan

To estimate the stillbirth and hospital early neonatal death rates at the main referral hospital in the north of Jordan [King Abdullah University Hospital]. All infants born at the King Abdullah University Hospital [KAUH] over a 5-year period from January 1. 2005 to December 31, 2009 were identified retrospectively. Medical records of the patient who were considered stillbirth or died in the first week of life were reviewed. The following data: age. gestational age, birth weight, maternal medical and obstetric history, duration of stay and cause of death were collected and analyzed .The main cause of death was taken from death certificates. A total of 10,030 newborns were included in this study. There were 89 stillbirths and 102 early neonatal deaths. Stillbirth rate was 9.0 per 1000 births and early neonatal mortality rate was 10.3 per 1000 live births. Of the early neonatal deaths, 79.4% were born premature, 77.5% were born with low birth weight, 28.4% of them were born of mothers with hypertensive disorders and 17.6% were born of mothers with diabetes. Almost half of deaths [52.9%] occurred in the first day of life and 20.6% of deaths occurred in the second day of life. The most common cause of early neonatal death was respiratory distress syndrome [50.0%] followed by multiple congenital anomalies [19.6%] and sepsis [12.7%]. The three causes together contributed to 82.3% of deaths. In a referral tertiary center in the north of Jordan, stillbirth rate was 9.0 per 1000 births and early neonatal mortality rate was 10.3 per 1000 births. About half of early neonatal deaths occur in the first day of life. Prevention and treatment of prematurity, prevention of sepsis and better understanding of congenital anomalies may help to decrease early neonatal death. Attention to prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome is warranted

Severe polyhydramnios associated with congenital hypothyroidism and hyponatraemia: a case report

This reports a case of congenital hypothyroidism associated with fetal polyhydramnios and severe neonatal hyponatremia. This patient is a premature 32- week infant who had poor oral feeding and severe hyponatremia that persisted till a diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism was established at the 37- week corrected age [5 weeks of age]. We here attempt to suggest another mechanism of polyhydramnios with hypothyroidism that is not linked to neck hyperextension. The relationship between poor feeding and swallowing in this patient and severe polyhydramnios was discussed. Literature review of the role of thyroid hormone in sodium homeostasis and urine output in relation to polyhydramnios was also discussed. This case report invites further research to understand the role of thyroid hormone in urine output and sodium homeostasis

Traditional practices for newborns care: the north of Jordan perspective

Jordan has witnessed a noticeable increase in women education and employment. A descriptive study of the traditional care practices of mothers for their newborn babies is exhibited here. Household Cross- sectional population survey in the north of Jordan was conducted over a 4-week period in July, 2004. Mothers of children less than five years of age at time of questionnaire were selected using systematic random sampling technique till the required sample of mothers was completed. Four common issues were studied including; circumcision, umbilical cord care, swaddling the baby in relation to Developmental Dislocation of the Hip [DDH] and care of a newborn baby with jaundice. These four issues were studied in relation to level of education and socio-economic status. Around 90% were circumcised by the age of one year. Circumcision was mainly performed by ritual circumcisers and mainly for religious reasons. For umbilical care, 40% used sulfa powder, 13% used alcohol swabs and 25% used traditional methods such as salty water, cigarette ash and coins. There was no statistical difference in the rate of developmental dislocation of the hip between swaddled and non-swaddled babies. Mothers used home light [37%], sugared water [18%], garlic necklaces [15%] and sun exposure [21%]. Only 50% of the mothers realized that jaundice may have future disability effect on babies. Traditional ways are still common in Jordan. Medical consequences of these practices are not clear and need further studies