Understanding Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding Behaviors Among Saudi Mothers: Insights into Knowledge, Attitudes, and the Impact of Counseling
1
Nursing, King Abdulaziz Unversity, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in supporting infant health, preventing illness, and promoting optimal development [1-3]. In Saudi Arabia, although many mothers begin breastfeeding, a smaller percentage continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the full six months as recommended [4,5]. This study examined how maternal knowledge, attitudes, counseling experiences, and sociodemographic factors are associated with breastfeeding initiation and EBF continuation.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 507 Saudi mothers. Participants completed a validated Arabic-language questionnaire measuring breastfeeding behavior, knowledge, attitudes, exposure to counseling, and demographic details. Statistical analyses included descriptive methods, chi-square tests, and logistic regression modeling.
RESULTS:
Breastfeeding was initiated by 90.1% of participants, but only 36.1% maintained EBF for six months. Maternal knowledge showed a significant correlation with initiation but not with sustained EBF. In contrast, favorable attitudes were associated with both starting and continuing breastfeeding. Receiving counseling—particularly during the prenatal period—was linked to higher EBF rates. Marital status was found to be a predictor of breastfeeding initiation, while no other sociodemographic variables were significantly related to EBF practice.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting positive maternal attitudes and expanding access to prenatal breastfeeding counseling could enhance exclusive breastfeeding rates among Saudi women.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in supporting infant health, preventing illness, and promoting optimal development [1-3]. In Saudi Arabia, although many mothers begin breastfeeding, a smaller percentage continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the full six months as recommended [4,5]. This study examined how maternal knowledge, attitudes, counseling experiences, and sociodemographic factors are associated with breastfeeding initiation and EBF continuation.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 507 Saudi mothers. Participants completed a validated Arabic-language questionnaire measuring breastfeeding behavior, knowledge, attitudes, exposure to counseling, and demographic details. Statistical analyses included descriptive methods, chi-square tests, and logistic regression modeling.
RESULTS:
Breastfeeding was initiated by 90.1% of participants, but only 36.1% maintained EBF for six months. Maternal knowledge showed a significant correlation with initiation but not with sustained EBF. In contrast, favorable attitudes were associated with both starting and continuing breastfeeding. Receiving counseling—particularly during the prenatal period—was linked to higher EBF rates. Marital status was found to be a predictor of breastfeeding initiation, while no other sociodemographic variables were significantly related to EBF practice.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting positive maternal attitudes and expanding access to prenatal breastfeeding counseling could enhance exclusive breastfeeding rates among Saudi women.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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