Breast feeding practices in Oman : A cross sectional study

Introduction Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of only giving an infant breast-milk for the first six months of life without any other food or water. Exclusive breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child survival and child health because it provides essential, irreplaceable nutrition for a child?s growth and development. Inadequate rates of exclusive breastfeeding result from social and cultural, health-system and commercial factors, as well as poor knowledge about breastfeeding. The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority. Yet, in reality most of the mothers are unable to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Aim of the study The aim of this study is to determine the socio cultural beliefs, attitude, self-efficacy, practices of breastfeeding, and perceived barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. We are exploring the outcome variables such as breastfeeding initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding, introduction of formula feeding, baby?s growth pattern, and health status of the child in the first six months. Methods Quantitative research approach will be adopted in this study. Descriptive cross sectional correlational research design will be adopted for the study. Omani postnatal women who fulfil the inclusion criteria will be chosen from all the 11 Governorates of Oman. All 11 Governorates will be identified and the samples will be selected from each Governorate for the study. Cluster random sampling technique will be used. The sample size for the study will be 422 samples. The socio cultural beliefs, attitude, self-efficacy, practices of breastfeeding, and perceived barriers to exclusive breastfeeding will be assessed in the study. Projected outcome The study will identify the socio cultural beliefs related to breast feeding practices that influence the Omani pregnant women/mothers on their breast-feeding practices. The study also will explore the self-efficacy, practice, and attitude of Omani women on breastfeeding. The perceived barriers of exclusive breastfeeding will be explored in the study. The outcome variables such as breastfeeding initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding, introduction of formula feeding, baby?s growth pattern, and health status of the child in the first six months also will be determined. The existing gap in the breast feeding practices will be identified. Thus, the study will help in initiating breast feeding counselling sessions for the pregnant women to promote their breast feeding practices in Oman.