A Web-based Health Information Survey for Korean Human Milk Bank and Current Issues

Objective: We evaluated the Korean mothers' level of awareness of human milk bank (HMB) in order to find out the issues in establishing HMB in Korea. These mothers had infants younger than 18 months old to find out the issues that would help establishment of HMB in Korea. Methods: The survey questionnaire was developed by a team composed by nurses, neonatologists, obstetricians, nutritionists, health care specialists and faculty members. The internet survey was performed by sending emails to mothers who are registered to M family members and have children younger than 18 months. In total, 864 questionnaire were gathered from 114,469 answers and the results were analyzed. Results: Fifty two point eight percent of the respondents had awareness of HMB. 79.4% of subjects agreed with the necessity of HMB. On the basis of multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the numbers of children, awareness of HMB, the concern on the HMB in Korea, and the expected problems in establishing HMB in Korea were significant factors when evaluating the necessity of HMB in Korea. The common factors associated with positive thinking of potential users, donors and recipients were the awareness of HMB, and the experience of feeding own breast milk to other's babies. Conclusion: More than half of Korean women were found to agree with the necessity of HMB in Korea, even though they had concern on infection controls and management of HMB and the purpose and function of HMB was not widely educated. The establishment of HMB in Korea would be effective with public education and considering their demands.