Breastfeeding knowledge - The experiences of Australian general practice registrars

Brodribb, Wendy, Fallon, Anthony B., Jackson, Claire and Hegney, Desley (2009) Breastfeeding knowledge - The experiences of Australian general practice registrars. Australian Family Physician, 38 1/2: 26-29.


Author Brodribb, Wendy
Fallon, Anthony B.
Jackson, Claire
Hegney, Desley
Title Breastfeeding knowledge - The experiences of Australian general practice registrars
Journal name Australian Family Physician  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2009-01
Sub-type Article
Year available 2009
Volume number 38
Issue number 1/2
ISSN 0300-8495
Start page 26
End page 29
Total pages 4
Editor Jenni Parsons
Place of publication Australia
Publisher Royal Australian College of General Practictioners
Collection year 2010
Language eng
Subject C1
111006 Midwifery
920210 Nursing
Formatted abstract BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is an important public health measure. General practitioners are in an ideal position to provide information, support and encouragement for breastfeeding women but require up to date knowledge and skills. Overseas studies indicate that doctors often have significant breastfeeding knowledge deficits. This article examines the sources of information about breastfeeding available to general practice registrars and the perceived adequacy of this knowledge for their work in the general practice setting.

METHODS A 90 item questionnaire covering demographics, breastfeeding training, knowledge, attitudes, confidence and effectiveness was distributed to 483 subsequent term general practice registrars between February and May 2007 via regional training providers.

RESULTS The questionnaire response rate was 33%. The most common avenue for learning about breastfeeding was at medical school (49.4%), while the most useful source of breastfeeding information was personal breastfeeding experience for registrars who were parents (62.2%), and during hospital terms after graduation for registrars who were not parents (35.5%). Only 23.6% of the participants thought they did not require further breastfeeding information.

DISCUSSION Breastfeeding training opportunities in medical schools and postgraduation are limited. There is a clear need for a breastfeeding training program for both general practice registrars and GPs.
Keyword breastfeeding
general practice registrars
attitudes
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: 2010 Higher Education Research Data Collection
School of Nursing and Midwifery Publications
 
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Created: Mon, 02 Feb 2009, 15:33:26 EST by Vicki Percival on behalf of School of Nursing and Midwifery