A Descriptive Study to Assess Knowledge and Attitude Towards Colostrum Feeding for Newborns among Third Trimester Antenatal Mothers At KMCT Women and Child Hospital, Manassery, Kozhikode

Colostrum feeding is an important component of early newborn nutrition and is associated with protection against infection and support for neonatal health. The present descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding colostrum feeding among third trimester antenatal mothers at KMCT Women and Child Hospital, Manassery, Kozhikode. The objectives were to assess knowledge, assess attitude, and determine the association between knowledge and selected demographic variables. A quantitative descriptive research design was used. Sixty third trimester antenatal mothers attending the antenatal OPD and wards were selected by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, a self-structured knowledge questionnaire and a Likert scale for attitude. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square test. The findings showed that 50 (83.33%) mothers had adequate knowledge, 8 (13.33%) had moderate knowledge and 2 (3.33%) had inadequate knowledge. Regarding attitude, 40 (66.66%) had a positive attitude, 12 (20%) had a neutral attitude and 8 (13.33%) had a negative attitude. The study reported significant associations between knowledge level and educational status, occupational status, parity, number of living children, history of previous breastfeeding, source of previous information and antenatal clinics attended. No significant association was reported for age, religion, family type, monthly income or area of residence. The findings highlight the importance of continued antenatal education and nursing support to promote appropriate colostrum feeding practices.