Home
Issues
Aim & Scope
Open Access
Editorial Board
Indexing
Supporting Midwifery Associations
Contact us
Manuscript Types
Manuscript Formatting
How to submit
Special publications and Reprints
Authorship & COI
Principles of Transparency Checklist
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Knowledge, attitude and intentions to promote breastfeeding among healthcare students
1
University of Brussels, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences FARM- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Jette, Belgium
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A802
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, global breastfeeding rates remain below targets. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are key to promoting breastfeeding and guiding mothers, yet their level of knowledge and training varies considerably.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to promote breastfeeding among healthcare students in Belgium. It also evaluated the impact of educational modules on breastfeeding-related outcomes.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted among 73 students: 36 midwifery students and 37 pharmacy students. Participants completed an online questionnaire containing validated instruments, including the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, and Breastfeeding Promotion Intention Scale, as well as self-developed items assessing familiarity with mastitis and candidiasis. Ethical approval was not required as the study was conducted in the context of evaluating an educational program, involving minimal-risk, voluntary participation of adult students with institutional authorization.
RESULTS:
Midwifery students demonstrated higher breastfeeding knowledge (mean correct: 78.7%) than pharmacy students (62.0%). They also showed more positive attitudes and stronger intentions to promote breastfeeding. Pharmacy students who had completed relevant modules scored higher on breastfeeding-related knowledge and attitudes compared to those without such training. Knowledge gaps were identified in both groups, particularly regarding breastfeeding as a contraceptive method, prevention of diarrhoea, and early initiation. Familiarity with clinical breastfeeding challenges such as mastitis and candidiasis was limited among pharmacy students.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwifery students are better prepared to support breastfeeding due to more extensive curricular coverage. Pharmacy students demonstrated lower knowledge and confidence, highlighting the need for improved education in this area.
KEY MESSAGE:
Integrating targeted breastfeeding education into the curricula of all healthcare disciplines, including pharmacy, is essential to prepare future professionals for their role in supporting and promoting breastfeeding effectively. Poster session 3 (Group B)
Breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, global breastfeeding rates remain below targets. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are key to promoting breastfeeding and guiding mothers, yet their level of knowledge and training varies considerably.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to promote breastfeeding among healthcare students in Belgium. It also evaluated the impact of educational modules on breastfeeding-related outcomes.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted among 73 students: 36 midwifery students and 37 pharmacy students. Participants completed an online questionnaire containing validated instruments, including the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, and Breastfeeding Promotion Intention Scale, as well as self-developed items assessing familiarity with mastitis and candidiasis. Ethical approval was not required as the study was conducted in the context of evaluating an educational program, involving minimal-risk, voluntary participation of adult students with institutional authorization.
RESULTS:
Midwifery students demonstrated higher breastfeeding knowledge (mean correct: 78.7%) than pharmacy students (62.0%). They also showed more positive attitudes and stronger intentions to promote breastfeeding. Pharmacy students who had completed relevant modules scored higher on breastfeeding-related knowledge and attitudes compared to those without such training. Knowledge gaps were identified in both groups, particularly regarding breastfeeding as a contraceptive method, prevention of diarrhoea, and early initiation. Familiarity with clinical breastfeeding challenges such as mastitis and candidiasis was limited among pharmacy students.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwifery students are better prepared to support breastfeeding due to more extensive curricular coverage. Pharmacy students demonstrated lower knowledge and confidence, highlighting the need for improved education in this area.
KEY MESSAGE:
Integrating targeted breastfeeding education into the curricula of all healthcare disciplines, including pharmacy, is essential to prepare future professionals for their role in supporting and promoting breastfeeding effectively. Poster session 3 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
