Examining students’ knowledge of infant feeding: A non-experimental descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding rates in Canada are suboptimal, putting mothers and their infants’ health at risk. Understanding breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in the university student population is important as many are likely to become parents in the future. University students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding infant feeding has been studied internationally; however, no studies including both female and male students have been conducted in Canada. The purpose of this study was to determine breastfeeding experiences, education, knowledge, infant feeding attitude and perceptions of the difference in mode of infant feeding among university students which can be used to inform future health promotion campaigns and school curriculum. Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in which data from university students was collected to to identify knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding identify differences in knowledge of breast and bottle feeding. Results: Findings suggest 65% (n=117) of university students had no previous knowledge of breastfeeding practices.  Conclusion: Breastfeeding information within the high school curriculum is needed to support evidence-informed preconception infant feeding choices and increase future parents' understanding of how breastfeeding works to assist them in meeting their future infant feeding goals and increase breastfeeding rates.