Maternal awareness of breastfeeding policies in baby-friendly hospitals in Jordan
[Correction added after publication on 12 August 2022: Jordan University of Science and Technology has been indicated as the funder in this version.]
Abstract
Aim
This study aims to investigate the maternal perception and awareness of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) policies.
Method
A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was employed. A total of 205 mothers who gave birth in two hospitals in Jordan comprised the sample for this study. A self-administered questionnaire developed from the review of literature and from an audit tool of one of the research settings was used to assess maternal perception of BFHI policies and maternal awareness of breastfeeding. Ethical approval was sought before data collection.
Findings
Mothers had moderate levels of awareness of breastfeeding importance; further, most of them mentioned the provision of a policy that addresses all the steps to successful breastfeeding as a major facilitator to breastfeeding. In terms of the BFHI, mothers had a moderate level of awareness of breastfeeding initiatives and showed positive perceptions of BFHI policies.
Conclusion and Implication
Improving maternal perception of BFHI policies and maternal awareness of breastfeeding has the potential to affect breastfeeding uptake and management. Future research is recommended in the areas of (1) identification of barriers to breastfeeding among Jordan mothers, (2) determination of the impact of translating maternal awareness to breastfeeding uptake, and (3) effect of infant gender and antenatal care in breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
