Factors Affecting in Termination of Breastfeeding, among Nurses and Doctors as Working Mothers
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Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of maternal and infant health, offering numerous benefits to both mothers and newborns. However, its premature termination among working mothers, especially in the healthcare profession, is a growing concern.
Objective: To detect the factors that affect the early termination of breastfeeding among doctors and nurses as working mothers.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Sharif Medical City Lahore over a period of four months from January 2024 to April 2024. The sample size of 80 participants was calculated using Slovin's Formula, and a convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from nurses and doctors. The participants included working mothers who had terminated breastfeeding and were willing to participate in the study. Data were collected using an adopted tool for exclusive breastfeeding, consisting of 10 items, with a Content Validity Index of 0.92 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.78. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25.
Results: The majority of participants (50%) were aged between 26-35 years, 61.25% were government employees, 77.5% worked full-time, and 70% had only one child. About 37.5% worked in shifts, 75% worked 6-7 days per week, and 56.2% worked less than 9 hours per week. Major factors contributing to the cessation of breastfeeding included perceived low milk quantity (doctors: 31.3%, nurses: 41.8%), inconvenience/fatigue due to breastfeeding (doctors: 35.0%, nurses: 51.2%), and return to work (both doctors and nurses: 50.0%).
Conclusion: The study concluded that perceived low milk quantity, inconvenience and fatigue due to breastfeeding, and the necessity to return to work were the major factors contributing to the cessation of breastfeeding among doctors and nurses. Addressing these issues through workplace interventions and supportive policies is crucial to promoting sustained breastfeeding among healthcare professionals.
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