A Study to Assess the Knowledge of Primigravida Mothers Regarding Breastfeeding in Selected Hospital, West Bengal

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge of primigravida mothers regarding breastfeeding in selected Hospital of Hooghly District, West Bengal. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of primigravida mothers regarding Breastfeeding in selected Hospital of Hooghly District, West Bengal.The conceptual framework adopted for the study was based on General Systems Theory (Input–Process–Output Model) About 60 primigravida mothers were selected as nonprobability convenience sampling technique to collect data.Valid reliable Semi structured Questionnaire and Structured Questionnaire were used fpr data collection. The result showed revealed that majority of respondents were belong to age group 19-24 years (63.8%),Hindu by religion (73.2%) and (35%) completed their Higher Secondary level of education. 54.2% respondents were housewife by occupation and 36.7% were belong to socioeconomic class III according to modified G B Prasad. Among the participants having average knowledge (85%), good knowledge (10%) and poor knowledge (5%). There is no significant association observed between demographic variables (education and occupation of mothers) and knowledge of primigravida mothers regarding breastfeeding. The study had important implication in various field of nursing which paves the way for further research. Based on this study a similar study can be done on large sample.

Introduction

This study focuses on assessing the knowledge of primigravida (first-time pregnant) mothers regarding breastfeeding in a selected hospital in the West Bengal. The research was motivated by concerns about high child mortality and undernutrition rates in India, as well as observations that many first-time mothers lack adequate knowledge about breastfeeding practices.

Background and Need for the Study

Breastfeeding is essential for infant health and survival. Previous studies have shown that many primigravida mothers have insufficient knowledge about breastfeeding, including correct feeding techniques, positioning, and exclusive breastfeeding practices. Since breastfeeding can significantly reduce infant infections and chronic diseases, assessing maternal knowledge is important for improving child health outcomes.

Purpose and Objectives

The study aims to:

1. Assess the knowledge of primigravida mothers regarding breastfeeding.
2. Determine the association between knowledge levels and demographic factors such as age, education, religion, habitat, and socioeconomic status.

Key Concepts

• Knowledge: Understanding of breastfeeding initiation, benefits, exclusive breastfeeding, duration, positioning, and attachment.
• Primigravida Mother: A woman experiencing pregnancy for the first time.
• Breastfeeding: Feeding an infant with breast milk directly or through expressed milk.
• Assessment: Measuring knowledge through a structured questionnaire.

Literature Review

Previous research indicates that breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits, including protection against infections and chronic diseases. Studies have also shown that many first-time mothers lack knowledge about proper breastfeeding practices. Additionally, factors such as education and occupation have been found to significantly influence breastfeeding knowledge.

Methodology

• Research Approach: Quantitative
• Research Design: Descriptive
• Study Setting: Selected hospitals in the Hooghly District
  • Pilot Study: Chandannagar Sub-Divisional Hospital
  • Final Study: Imambara District Hospital
• Population: Primigravida mothers
• Sample Size: 60 mothers
• Sampling Technique: Non-probability convenience sampling

Inclusion Criteria

• First-time pregnant women admitted to the selected hospital
• Willing participants who provide informed consent
• Able to communicate in Bengali, Hindi, or English

Exclusion Criteria

• Women with previous pregnancies
• Seriously ill mothers
• Mothers unable to communicate effectively

Data Collection and Tools

Data were collected through interviews using:

1. A semi-structured questionnaire for demographic information.
2. A structured questionnaire containing 22 questions to assess breastfeeding knowledge.

The tools were validated by eight experts and demonstrated good reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.85.

Ethical Considerations

Permission was obtained from hospital authorities and nursing school administrators. Informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study.

Data Analysis

The study analyzed:

1. Demographic characteristics of primigravida mothers.
2. Knowledge scores regarding breastfeeding.
3. Associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables.

References

[1] United Nations Children\'s Fund (UNICEF). The State of the World\'s Children 2008: Child Survival. New York: UNICEF; 2008. [2] Mohan C. Assessment of knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding among primigravida and primipara mothers. International Journal for Advance Research and Development. 2018 Aug 10;3(8):1-28. [3] Clark SG, Bungum TJ. Benefits of Breastfeeding: An Introduction for Health Educators. California Journal of Health Promotion. 2003 Sep 1;1(3):158-63. [4] Kumar A, Unnikrishnan B, Mithra P, Kumar N, Kulkarni V, Holla R, BB D. Awareness and attitude regarding breastfeeding and immunization practices among primigravida attending a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR. 2015 Mar 1;9(3):LC01. [5] Mohan C. Assessment of knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding among primigravida and primipara mothers. International Journal for Advance Research and Development. 2018 Aug 10;3(8):1-28. [6] Mohite RV, Mohite VR, Kakade SV. Knowledge of breast feeding among primigravida mothers. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 2012 Nov 13;11(4):312-6. [7] Jagadale S, Salunkhe JA, Kapurkar KS, Patil S, Kanase NV. To assess knowledge, attitude and knowledge of practice regarding breast feeding among primi para mothers. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2015 Apr 13;4(30):5121-8.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Rina R, Dr. Banerjee S, Dr. Maity C. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.