ARE HEALTH-WORKERS ADEQUATELY TRAINED TO MANAGE AND PROMOTE BREAST-FEEDING

Objective: This paper addresses a missing link in the warm chain for b reastfeeding; namely adequate training of health workers. The study ai med at testing the hypothesis that health workers are not adequately t rained to manage and/or promote breastfeeding. The paper is also aimed at identifying misperceptions or negative attitudes towards breastfee ding. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a stratified random sample of health workers. The study was carried out at Primary health care c enters and the University Hospital in Al-Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia. The participants were samples of 152 primary health care doctors, nur ses, hospital residents and interns. The tool used for the study was a pre-tested questionnaire. Results: Results showed considerable defici ency of relevant knowledge about breastfeeding and high prevalence of misperceptions. In only 2 of 15 questions, responses were satisfactory ; duration of breastfeeding, and its continuation if child had diarrhe a. inappropriate responses were given to questions related to breastfe eding and a new pregnancy, relactation, use of pacifier, demand feedin g and ''rooming-in''. Primary health care workers seemed to do better than hospital staff and nurses better than doctors. Conclusion: Health workers in all health institutions do not seem to be prepared to mana ge and/or promote breastfeeding. The need for improving their knowledg e and practices is realized and suggestions are given to address the p roblems identified in the study.