Knowledge and Practices of Breastfeeding Mothers regarding Protective Measures for their Neonates against COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Background: Considering the benefits of breastfeeding and the role of breastfeeding in the transmission of COVID-19, mothers can continue breastfeeding, while applying the necessary protective measures. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of breastfeeding mothers regarding protective measures for their neonates from COVID-19. Design: A descriptive correlational design. Subject: A convenient sample of 104 breastfeeding mothers and a purposive sample of their hospitalized neonates. Setting: The neonatal intensive care units at Maternity and Gynecological Hospital and Children's Hospitals affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals and Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. Tools: 1) Interviewing Questionnaire contained 3 categories, 2) Neonatal Medical Record included characteristics of the studied neonates 3) Observational Checklists to assess breastfeeding mothers’ practices regarding protective measures of COVID-19. Results: Less than three quarters of studied mothers had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding protective measures of COVID-19 and more than half of them had unsatisfactory practices regarding protective measures of COVID-19. Conclusion: There was a statistical significant relation between studied mothers' total knowledge and their education, age and job, there was a statistical significant relation between their total practice and their educational level and there was a positive correlation between mothers' total knowledge and their total practice toward protective measures for their neonates against COVID-19. Recommendations: Conducting the study in different settings such as breastfeeding outpatient.