Abstract

Aim: To assess the Knowledge and Awareness regarding Breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccination among Pregnant and Lactating Mothers attending OPD in a Service Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Material and Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study. Sample size of 380 Pregnant and Lactating Mothers attending OPD antenatally or postnatally were included in the study. Ethics committee approval was taken. A peer reviewed predesigned questionnaire was used to obtain information after taking consent. Demographic data and Knowledge of Mothers regarding Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Vaccination data was collected and analyzed.
Results: Our Study revealed knowledge and awareness regarding Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Lactating Mothers during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Service Hospital to be 53% and 57% respectively. Our Study also found a significant correlation between Age and Education of Mothers and their Knowledge regarding Breastfeeding in Pregnant and Lactating Mothers during COVID-19 Pandemic. A significant Correlation was found between Education of Mothers and their Knowledge regarding COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnant and Lactating Mothers during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need to focus on promotion of breast feeding and COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Lactating during COVID-19 Pandemic. These simple steps may contribute in lowering Neonatal and Infant Mortality rates. Breastfeeding must continue after Maternal COVID-19 vaccination