Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice About the Challenge of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working Women/Mothers in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infant health yet working mothers in Pakistan face unique challenges that limit adherence to recommended guidelines. Despite established benefits, gaps in knowledge, support, and institutional infrastructure persist, especially in tertiary care settings. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding among working women and mothers in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, and to identify factors influencing adherence to recommended practices. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 280 working women/mothers at Services Hospital, Lahore, over a three-month period. Participants were selected via stratified random sampling and completed a validated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable regression to identify predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Results: Of the 280 respondents, 64.6% were aged under 25, and 32.9% had intermediate or higher education. Only 22.7% strongly agreed that they had sufficient knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. Education level (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.2, p = 0.002) and workplace support (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.01) were significant predictors of breastfeeding practice. Barriers included lack of workplace facilities, cultural challenges, and social stigma. Despite these, 35.7% actively sought information to improve their breastfeeding knowledge. Conclusion: Suboptimal knowledge, inadequate workplace support, and cultural barriers continue to hinder exclusive breastfeeding among working women in tertiary care hospitals. Multifaceted interventions targeting education, workplace policies, and cultural norms are required to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and health outcomes for mothers and infants.