Nivel de conocimientos y habilidades frente a la lactancia materna en pediatras de la ciudad de Cuenca, en el periodo 2023-2024

Abstract

Background: Healthcare personnel, including pediatricians, are crucial in guiding and promoting breastfeeding. However, insufficient training in breastfeeding can negatively influence its practice rates, which in turn affects the child’s health in the short and long term. It has been found that adequate training on this topic significantly increases breastfeeding rates. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and skills regarding breastfeeding among pediatricians in Cuenca during 2023-2024. Methodology: A descriptive-relational observational study of quantitative method with cross-sectional design was conducted in a finite population and census sample comprised of 70 specialists and subspecialists in pediatrics, employing direct interview technique with a data collection form and the ECoLaE questionnaire, analyzed with SPSS V27 software for Windows. Results: Participants’ knowledge and skills in breastfeeding ranged from 10 to 25 points with a mean of 17.66 (SD=4.3) with a predominance of insufficient level, representing 29.2% of the entire sample. Conclusions: The medical staff needs to be educated and trained on breastfeeding through training programs to provide correct guidance to breastfeeding mothers and reduce its negative impact on infant health.