From dyad to triad: a survey on fathers' knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding.
Eur J Pediatr
; 180(9): 2861-2869, 2021 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33779804
ABSTRACT
Fathers are known to impact breastfeeding outcomes. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding, and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 200 fathers of healthy term neonates. At discharge, fathers were asked to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to verify if the total score was predictive of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was then used to adjust for possible confounders. ROC analysis was performed, and a Youden's total score cut-off value was determined to define total score's performance in predicting exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Fathers showed a solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin (99.5%), rooming-in (79%), and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in babies' feeding in 79% of cases. An association was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge at univariate (OR 1.07, p = 0.04) but not at multivariable analysis (OR 1.07, p = 0.067). ROC analysis was not statistically significant (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083).Conclusion:
By using a novel instrument aimed at quantifying fathers' knowledge and overall attitude toward breastfeeding, this study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding. Expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad may impact breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. What is known ⢠Social support plays a major role in improving breastfeeding outcomes. ⢠Fathers may greatly influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding; the more they know, the more helpful they can be. What is new ⢠A multidisciplinary team created a structured questionnaire aimed at quantifying fathers' knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. ⢠The association between a higher questionnaire total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge highlights the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, as part of the breastfeeding team.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Lactancia Materna
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Padre
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Qualitative_research
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Newborn
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Pediatr
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia