Validity of Oral Hygiene Behaviour Index Kannada Version among Young Adolescents in Bangalore, India - A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: The immunological and nutritive values of breast milk are most suited for an infant. With the increase in the incidence of caesarean section, problems in breastfeeding in the first 24-48 hours have increased because of pain, discomfort, exhaustion and sedation effects of anesthesia. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 mothers of BPKIHS, Dharan, who had undergone cesarean section to assess knowledge and practice related to breastfeeding. Knowledge regarding breastfeeding was assessed by self-prepared structured interview schedule and practice was observed using observational checklist. Results: The study revealed that 50% of the respondent had knowledge about breastfeeding above median score (IQR) [7.5(6-9)]. Only 11.11% of respondents breastfed their infants effectively. Most of the mothers (83%) initiated feeding after one hour of birth. The reasons for delayed initiation were late shifting, pain and discomfort and inadequate milk secretion. The main problems during breastfeeding were pain and discomfort at incision site, inadequate milk secretion, pain in breast during sucking and poor sucking by the infant. Colostrum was fed by 93% of the mothers whereas 17% of the mothers fed prelacteal feeds. There was significant association of knowledge score and education (p-0.02) and there was a significant association between effectiveness of breastfeeding and age group (p-0.007). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge regarding breastfeeding is inadequate. In our context, still there is persistence of cultural belief related to prelacteal feeds. The mothers are not able to practice effective techniques of breastfeeding. There is difficulty in initiation and establishment of breastfeeding after cesarean section.