DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i05.032

Pages: 1653-1656

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding breast feeding among prescribers at various hospitals and clinics in Pondicherry and to get an insight into the reasons behind recent increase in the use of powdered milk among infants. A pretested KAP questionnaire comprising of 10 questions was administered to 150 prescribers. The questionnaires were assessed for the type of responses regarding breast feeding. Microsoft Excel worksheet (Microsoft Office 2007) was used for statistical analysis. A total of 150 (100%) prescribers completed the questionnaire. A majority of the respondents opined that they would like further training on usefulness of breast feeding The reasons cited for this were lack of latest information on when and how to wean a baby. The prescribers are aware of the usefulness of breast feeding but little aware about hazards of powdered milk, improper timing of weaning and type of weaning introduced. Since the lack of knowledge about the above were clearly evident, creating awareness and devising means to make breast feeding convenient may aid in improving the status of infant nutrition.