Breastfeeding-related skin problems, knowledge, attitudes and practices on breastfeeding among mothers in Barangay Batasan hills, Quezon City: A cross-sectional survey.
- Author:
Lardizabal-Dofitas Belen
;
Ahillion- Rodriguez Elisa
;
Lopez Yvonne D.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Nipple Problems
- MeSH: Human; Female; Adult; Infant; Breast Feeding; Lactation Disorders; Milk, Human; Mothers; Nipples; Pain; Prevalence; Water
- From: Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2009;18(1):32-36
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES:To determine the prevalence of breastfeeding-related skin problems as well as the knowledge, attitude and practices on breastfeeding among mothers in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Superhealth Center in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Included in the study were women of reproductive age who had breastfed at least on child in the past or who were breastfeeding at the time of the survey. An exploratory phase was conducted to determine the extent of the problem. Data gathered from this phase helped in the formulation of a questionnaire. A cross sectional survey was then conducted to determine the common reasons for breastfeeding, the average number of children being breastfed by the participants, the frequency and duration of breastfeeding per child, the hygienic practices of breastfeeding women, the prevalence of breastfeeding-related skin conditions, health seeking behavior of those who experienced the skin conditions, and the common reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding.
RESULTS: Ninety-four women participated in the survey. The most common reason for breastfeeding given was, "breast milk is good for the health of the baby" (59.6%). Most of the women learned about breastfeeding from their mothers (41.5%). Most of the participants were able to breastfeed one child (43.6%). The average time spent for breastfeeding one child was three hours per day. Most of the mothers used damp cloth/cotton balls (38.3%) or tepid water (34.0%) to prepare their nipple prior to breastfeeding. Majority of them (72.3%) did not experience any breastfeeding-related skin problems. Among the 27.7%, who experienced skin problems, nipple cracks or fissures (15.0%), breast engorgement (10.6%), and nipple pain (4.2%) were the top three reported skin problems. None of the respondents discontinued breastfeeding due to breastfeeding-related skin problems. A minority of interviewed women (7.0%) discontinued breastfeeding because they were unable to express milk.
CONCLUSION: The proportion of women with breastfeeding-related skin problems in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City was 27.7%. More than half of those who experienced such problems still continued to breastfeed without any intervention. There was a low rate of discontinuation of breastfeeding (7.4%) among the participants of this study. This finding may be due to the prevalent support of the respondents' mothers and relatives as well as the active promotion of breastfeeding by the local health units and centers in the barangay.