| Author: | Mak, Yim-wah |
| Title: | Nurses' attitudes towards breast-feeding |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Subject: | Breast feeding -- China -- Hong Kong Breast feeding promotion -- China -- Hong Kong Nurses -- China -- Hong Kong -- Attitudes Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Nursing and Health Sciences |
| Pages: | ix, 99 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 31 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study is going to (1) examine nurses' attitudes towards breast-feeding; (2) find the possible strategies on promotion of breast-feeding; and (3) determine the influence of demographic characteristics and personal experience of breast-feeding on attitudes towards breast-feeding. A quantitative study using a cross-sectional design was employed. Data was collected using a modified version of self-completed questionnaire by Lawrence to measure attitudes. Purposive sample was taken from all nursing staff of one hospital, and two Maternal and Child Care (MCH) centres in September 1998. Descriptive and non-parametric analysis were preformed in this study. Descriptive statistics were applied to individual and demographic variables; Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to describe the demographic characteristics on breast-feeding attitudes. Five important findings have been revealed in this study. First, overall nurses' attitude towards breast-feeding is positive but nurses showed an undifferentiated view on benefits of breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Second, it was also found that nurses' own attitudes towards barriers to breast-feeding are similar to general public. The most discouraging factors for continuing breast-feeding are identified as return to work, problems on milk supply and inconvenience. Third, profile of nurses who have children, or completed midwifery training perceive breast-feeding more positively. Fourth, woman's partner and the nurse group should be included in educational programs as they are the most important influential persons on a woman's decision of up-taking breast-feeding. Last, nurses' encouragement, family support and education have been indicated as the most important factors to promote breast-feeding. Suggestions are made for promoting breast-feeding for the whole general population and nurses. First, husband and the nurse group must be included in programs for promotion of breast-feeding. Second, the design of program for breast-feeding mothers should emphasize the benefits for infants and provide strategies to reduce personal inconvenience. However, educational programs for nurses should focus on didactic and clinical training in basic breast-feeding management. Third, educational strategies would be especially important for nurses who are not midwifery trained and have no children. Last, further research base on random sampling, or more substantial samples may be required for a more representative result. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
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| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b14834492.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 5.05 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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