Knowledge and Attitude Towards Breastfeeding Among Female Paramedical Students

Abstract

Breastfeeding provides substantial health benefits for mothers and infants, and health-professional students are expected to acquire adequate knowledge and supportive attitudes toward breastfeeding. However, gaps in knowledge and attitudes may affect their future ability to promote and support breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among female students at the College of Medical Technology in Derna, Libya, and to examine their association with selected sociodemographic and educational characteristics. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 146 female students at the College of Medical Technology in Derna, Libya. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, and attitudes toward breastfeeding. Knowledge items were scored as correct or incorrect/don’t know and categorised into poor, moderate, and good levels. Attitudes were assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with negatively worded items reverse-scored. Attitude scores were initially categorised as unfavourable, moderate/neutral, and favourable. Most participants had moderate knowledge of breastfeeding (61.0%), while 19.9% had poor knowledge and 19.1% had good knowledge. Knowledge was particularly high regarding the general benefits of breastfeeding, including breast milk as the ideal food for infants (98.0%), strengthening the mother–infant bond (98.6%), and better overall health of breastfed infants (95.2%). However, important gaps were identified regarding breastfeeding in public (12.3% correct) and breastfeeding after returning to work (36.3% correct). Regarding attitudes, 66.4% had a moderate/neutral attitude, 31.5% had an unfavourable attitude, and only 2.1% had a favourable attitude. No significant associations were found between knowledge level and attitude with age (p=0.205-0.189), academic year (p=0.537-0.396), or previous receipt of breastfeeding information (p=0.269-0.495). Knowledge level was also not significantly associated with attitude toward breastfeeding (χ²=0.436, p=0.804). In conclusion, female medical technology students demonstrated good awareness of the general benefits of breastfeeding but had important gaps in practical and socially sensitive aspects of breastfeeding. Our findings support the need for structured breastfeeding education that addresses not only factual knowledge but also practical breastfeeding support and social barriers, particularly breastfeeding in public and continuation after returning to work.