Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding among Medical Students

Objective: To evaluate knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding in medical student. Methods: Cross-sectional study among fourth year medical degree students at a public university. Two previously validated questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes were applied. Frequencies were compared by sex, using the χ2 test (p<0.05). Results: 259 students, of both sexes were evaluated, of which 35.1% showed sufficient knowledge, with no differences between men and women. The most prevalent knowledge was related to the benefits for the baby; the least known were on physiology, composition of breast milk and initiation, frequency and duration of feeding session; 27.0% showed favorable attitudes towards breastfeeding, with women presenting more favorable attitudes; 62.5% considered that the role of health professionals is necessary for the success of breastfeeding. Conclusion: It is necessary to improve the academic education related to breastfeeding among future health professionals in order to support mothers who wish to breastfeed.