Nurses’ breastfeeding knowledge plays a significant role in promoting breastfeeding. Assessing nursing students’ breastfeeding knowledge is crucial to devise effective educational strategies.
Research Aims:
To assess breastfeeding knowledge among nursing students in mainland China and identify the factors associated with it.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the status of breastfeeding knowledge and its associated factors among Chinese nursing students (N = 1606). Data were collected through a network survey platform (WJX), utilizing a researcher-designed questionnaire and the Nursing Student’s Knowledge about Breastfeeding Questionnaire. The associated factors were analyzed using independent sample t tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses.
Results:
The mean score for breastfeeding knowledge was 52.37 (SD = 27.39) out of 100. Passing is considered > 60. The breastfeeding knowledge score was higher in participants in their 3rd (β = 0.11, p < 0.001) and 4th year of study (β = 0.08, p = 0.006), and when participants reported deep breastfeeding-related learning (β = 0.21, p < 0.001). Lower knowledge levels were associated with incomplete breastfeeding related courses (β = -0.11, p < 0.001), no reported exposure to seeing breastfeeding (β = -0.08, p = 0.001), low confidence in effectively supporting breastfeeding (β = -0.11, p < 0.001), and a lack of enthusiasm for the profession of nursing (β = -0.06, p = 0.018).
Conclusion:
This study suggests there is a need to adopt a more comprehensive approach to breastfeeding education in order to enhance nursing students’ breastfeeding knowledge. This could improve what they can offer in practical experience towards supporting breastfeeding.
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