الوعي والممارسات المتعلقة بالرضاعة والفطام لدى األمهات في مدينة مصراتة :دراسة وصفية تحليلية
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/.v10i37.704Keywords:
Breastfeeding – Weaning – Maternal Awareness – Misrata City – Demographic Factors.Abstract
This descriptive-analytical study aimed to evaluate mothers’ awareness and practices related
to breastfeeding and weaning in Misrata, Libya. A random sample of 210 mothers with
children under the age of two was included. The results showed that a substantial proportion
of mothers initiated breastfeeding within the first few hours after delivery (25.2%
immediately after birth and 28.6% within the first hours). The majority practiced mixed
feeding (71.9%), with insufficient breast milk supply reported as the primary reason for using
formula. Regarding weaning, most mothers (56.7%) adopted a gradual approach, which is
recommended from both psychological and health perspectives to support the child’s
emotional and physical development. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations
between breastfeeding and weaning practices and several factors, including the child’s birth
order, mode of delivery, maternal age, educational level, and household income. These
findings emphasize the need to strengthen maternal health education programs to improve
breastfeeding and weaning practices, especially considering the heavy reliance on nonmedical sources of information. The study recommends implementing continuous awareness
initiatives to enhance knowledge and promote healthier infant feeding behaviors, thereby
contributing to improved child health and development outcomes
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