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  • Title: Secondary school students' attitudes and beliefs about breastfeeding.
    Author: Ellis DJ.
    Journal: J Sch Health; 1983 Dec; 53(10):600-4. PubMed ID: 6558283.
    Abstract:
    The incidence and prevalence of breastfeeding has increased in the United States and Canada in the past decade, but in spite of its known benefits it is often abandoned before infants are two months of age. Society lacks the attitudes and knowledge necessary for breastfeeding success. A survey of the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of 409 secondary school students in British Columbia, Canada, revealed misconceptions about the nature of breastfeeding. A high percentage felt it was unacceptable in social situations. The findings point to a need for the integration of information about breastfeeding into school health programs, biology, home economics/nutrition and family life/sexuality courses. Increased knowledge and discussion to foster positive attitudes could increase breastfeeding duration among parents in the future. The incidence and prevalence of breastfeeding has increased in the United States and Canada in the past decade, but in spite of its known benefits it is often abandoned before infants are 2 months of age. Society lacks the attitudes and knowledge necessary for breastfeeding success. Most mothers assume that one either can or cannot breastfeed. They know little about normal or optimal frequency and duration of feeding and the supply and demand principle of the lactation process. The result is the early discontinuance of breastfeeding due to perceived insufficient milk. A survey of the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of 409 secondary school students in British Columbia, Canada, revealed misconceptions about the nature of breastfeeding. The majority believed that it was an instinct rather than a socially learned behavior. Another misconception, although to a lesser degree, was the belief that breastfeeding capability is related to breast size. A prevalent belief (among 1/6 of the students) is that breastfeeding is associated with the lower socioeconomic class. This association is likely an extension of the belief that breastfeeding is "uncivilized." The survey also revealed a difference in the desired duration of breastfeeding compared to bottlefeeding. This is likely a reflection of observed feeding behavior in society. One does not see any older babies being breastfed openly while older infants and toddlers holding bottles are frequently observed. Also, a large % of women discontinue breastfeeding by the time their infants are 3 months old. These factors contribute to the feeling among students that breastfeeding is unacceptable in social situations. The findings point to the need for the integration of information about breastfeeding into school health programs, biology, home economics/nutrition and family life/sexuality courses. Increased knowledge and discussion to foster positive attitudes could increase breastfeeding duration among parents in the future.
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