| 1. Title: Breastfeeding: attitudes and beliefs of an Australian Capital Territory sample of secondary school students. Author: Ellis DJ Source: Community Health Studies. 1983;7(3):290-5. Abstract: Although most women in Australia are breastfeeding their newborns on discharge from hospital, many discontinue before their infants are 6 months old. Since breastfeeding is socially learned, a survey of a convenience sample of 305 female and male secondary school students in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was carried out to ascertain knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. The results show that over 50% think breastfeeding is an instinct and 87% believe it is the most healthful infant feeding. Most have noticed at least 1 infant being breastfed and 64% believe themselves to have been breastfed. 80% intend to breastfeed their own children in the future. Although only 15.6% feel embarrassed to see an infant breastfeeding, in the presence of non-family males it is reported as unacceptable by about 80% of the respondents. Such results have implications for the inclusion of information about breastfeeding into formal and informal education, particularly if students lack models and knowledge. Primary or secondary school courses in health and nutrition could include information about the superiority of breast milk for nourishment, economy, and the prevention of illness and infection. Family health courses could include breastfeeding as part of child care, noting its bonding characteristics. Another clear implication from this study is the political issue of whether or not a government wants its mothers to breastfeed and the legislative actions to take against the active promotion of alternatives to breastfeeding. Language: English Keywords: OCEANIA | AUSTRALIA | BREASTFEEDING | STUDENTS | SECONDARY SCHOOLS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | MOTIVATION | INFLUENTIALS | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | HEALTH EDUCATION | POLITICAL FACTORS | Developing Countries | Developed Countries | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Education | Schools | Behavior | Psychological Factors | Knowledge Sources | Communication | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology Document Number: 266687 |
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