Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2022;22:eSOBEP2022025.
Evaluation of puerperal women’s knowledge about breastfeeding
DOI: 10.31508/1676-379320220025
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate puerperal women’s knowledge about breastfeeding using the Knowledge Breastfeeding Scale (KBS).
Methods
This is an exploratory, observational, cross-sectional research with descriptive design, quantitative approach of the analytical type with correlation between variables. It was developed with fifty puerperae in the sector of the Guthrie Test at the Pediatrics Hospital Outpatient Clinic in São José do Rio Preto, in 2022. Data were collected using the Knowledge Scale on Breastfeeding (KNOWL), validated for the Portuguese-Brazilian language, with 25 true or false alternatives. The descriptive statistical analysis was performed by calculating the measures of central tendency, dispersion, and frequency scores. For the inferential statistical analysis of the quantitative variables the Kolmogorov Simirnov Test was used. After applying the scale, the participants received feedback for clarifying and orienting themselves.
Results
It was observed that most of the participants are of an appropriate age to become pregnant, and also have an adequate family income and level of education that are also appropriate and facilitators for the breastfeeding process. Most of them are in their first pregnancy and had between six and 11 prenatal consultations. By means of the application of the scale, it was observed that the range of correct answers was 16 to 25 points; an average of 22.34; that is, 18% of the participants responded 100% of the questions correctly.
Conclusion
According to the majority, puerperae have showed high knowledge about breastfeeding. The application of scales facilitates the identification of difficulties, enabling specific guidelines for breastfeeding to be effective. The participants’ knowledge about breastfeeding directly influences the infant’s quality of life, therefore, improving the access to information and orientation about breastfeeding and its characteristics.