• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.818-828
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• 2008

This study was conducted to investigate actual conditions and needs on breastfeeding education for pregnant women in health centers for the development of a breastfeeding educational program. The questionnaires were mailed to 245 health centers and 148 (60.4%) questionnaires were returned. 91% of the health centers had breastfeeding education for pregnant women. 66% of them operated breastfeeding education as one part of other health programs. About 76% of supervisors and 64% of educators were the nurses. The teaching methods frequently used were lectures (30.5%), giving out booklets and leaflets (22.6%), demonstration and practice (21.5%), personal counseling (13.3%), and others. The teaching materials used were materials of outside speakers (39.7%), materials of development oneself (19.0%), materials of academic association or institute (14.8%), and others. The subjects which educators taught were the benefits of breastfeeding (16.7%), breastfeeding techniques (15.8%), caring for breasts before and after delivery (15.1%), nutritional management for lactating women (14.2%), coping strategies for the difficult situation of breastfeeding (13.3%), and others. Those were different from each other according to the educators' general characteristics. Success factors of education were increased motivation for breastfeeding (52.8%), practice (22.6%), professional's lecture (11.3%) and others. The failure factors of education were the ineffectiveness of the lecture method (69.2%), lack of education for supporters (15.4%) and lack of standardized education (15.4%). The most important barrier of education was the lack of a standardized breastfeeding educational programs (43.9%). The most effective teaching methods that educators thought were demonstration and practice (24.0%). The educators thought they need the tools and space for practice (28.2%), a standardized breastfeeding educational program (26.9%), and the human resources (24.4%) for effective education. Subjects that educators thought important for education were the breastfeeding techniques, benefits of breastfeeding, caring for breasts before and after delivery, nutritional management for lactating women, coping strategies for the difficult situation of breastfeeding, rooming system after delivery, ways to assess mother's milk quantity, introducing successful cases of breastfeeding in rank order. To promote the effectiveness of breastfeeding education, standardized breastfeeding educational programs, diverse teaching materials, space and tools, and human resources are needed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2023

Objective: There is a growing interest in the safe use of medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find ways to improve education about safe medication use by investigating the status of medication use of pregnant and breastfeeding women, and by evaluating their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward safe medication use. Methods: In this study, a self-report questionnaire was conducted on pregnant or breastfeeding women in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The questionnaire consisted of the following four sections; 1) sociodemographic characteristics of participants, 2) experience of medication use, 3) experience of being educated on safe medication use, and 4) knowledge, attitudes, and practices about medication use during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Results: A total of 203 participants were included in the analysis. Of these, 38.4% reported to take prescription medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Regarding education on safe medication use, nearly 90% of the participants answered that they were not educated or were unsure whether they had it. In the knowledge-attitude-practice evaluation on safe medication use, the knowledge level was the highest (mean, 4.45), followed by the attitude level (mean, 3.58) and the practice level (mean, 3.33). The preferred education method of the participants was online education using a computer or mobile phone application, etc. Conclusions: This study suggests that there is a need for systematic and effective education that can link knowledge of safe medication use with attitudes and practices in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.270-279
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the level of breastfeeding satisfaction, the relationship among knowledge about breastfeeding, attitude toward breastfeeding, self-efficacy of breastfeeding, intention of breastfeeding, and perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding and the factors influencing breastfeeding satisfaction in mothers 3~6 months after birth. Methods: For this descriptive research, 209 mothers who had been breastfeeding their babies agreed to participate in this study. Data on mother's satisfaction' knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, intention, and perceived social encouragement regarding breastfeeding were collected by closed-ended questionnaires on September 14, 2007 at a contest for healthy breast-fed babies. Results: The major findings of this study were as follows: First, there were significant differences in the breastfeeding satisfaction level according to planned length of breastfeeding (F=10.43, p<.001). Second, there was a significant relationship between breastfeeding satisfaction and knowledge about breastfeeding (r=.37, p<.001), attitude toward breastfeeding (r=.62, p<.001), self-efficacy of breastfeeding (r=.66, p<.001), intention of breast feeding (r=.40, p<.001), and perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding (r=.32, p<.001). Finally, the strongest factor affecting mothers' breastfeeding satisfaction was attitude toward breastfeeding ($\beta=.38$). Other factors included self-efficacy of breastfeeding ($\beta=.36$), knowledge about breastfeeding ($\beta=.14$), perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding ($\beta=.10$), and planned length of breastfeeding ($\beta=.10$). Conclusion: This study suggests that nurses should help mothers improve breastfeeding satisfaction through promotion of knowledge about, attitudes toward, and self-efficacy of breastfeeding.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.306-313
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• 2015

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among Korean women in relation to their employment status. Methods: Data were collected using a web-based self-administered questionnaire from 1,031 Korean mothers living in Seoul with babies younger than 24 months. Demographic characteristics, education on breastfeeding, rooming in, breastfeeding during hospital stay, and breastfeeding knowledge were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with initiation and continuation at 1, 6 and 12 months according to mothers' employment status. Results: Breastfeeding initiation rates were similar regardless of mothers' employment status. Continuation rates decreased for both groups of mothers, but were significantly lower among employed mothers at all duration points. Unemployed mothers who were able to keep their babies in the same room during the hospital stay were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. The factor that was consistently associated with breastfeeding continuation for all duration points among unemployed mothers was whether the mother breastfed during the hospital stay. Higher knowledge scores and having an infant with atopic dermatitis were also associated with breastfeeding continuation at 6 months and 12 months, respectively for unemployed mothers, and receiving education on breastfeeding was associated with 12-month continuation for employed mothers. Conclusion: These results emphasize the significant roles of hospitals for breastfeeding initiation and continuation, with rooming-in, initial breastfeeding practice and education during hospital stay as important practices. In addition, for working mothers to continue their breastfeeding, significant support from the workplace is crucial.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.317-327
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze and clarify the concept of the effective breastfeeding. Methods: This study used Walker and Avant's process of concept analysis. Results: Effective breastfeeding is how to give infant adequate milk, which fulfills needs of mother and infant, from her breast so that they can be satisfied with the process and results. It included the effective breastfeeding properties as follows: feeding behaviors (positioning, latch on, and suckling), transferring a breast milk to an infant, mother-infant interaction, and satisfying their desires (satisfaction, comfort, mother's self-confidence, infant's adequate weight gain and defecation, adequate breastfeeding interval). The antecedent of effective breastfeeding were anatomical and functional normal breast, breastfeeding knowledge and steady-state of mother, and feeding desire, rooting reflex and normal oral cavity of infant. The consequences of effective breastfeeding were exclusive breastfeeding, infant and maternal health and wellbeing, and achievement of mother and infant attachment. Conclusion: The meaning of effective breastfeeding defined in this study will contribute to develop the effectiveness breastfeeding assessment tool and the nursing intervention for ineffective breastfeeding.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.192-202
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• 2003

This descriptive study aimed to determine the effects of community based health education program for pregnant women on their confidence in labor and breastfeeding. Data were obtained using several questionnaires and administered to 174 pregnant women who have participated (n=49) and have not participated(n=125) in health education program, and 244 mothers of infants who lived in one city in Kyunggi province. Summaries of finding were as follows; First, pregnant women who have participated in health education program showed significantly higher score in confidence in labor than those who have not. Also, confidence in labor was different according to the level of education. Second, pregnant women participated in health education program showed higher score in knowledge and attitude on breastfeeding, but the differences were not significant. Knowledge on breastfeeding was higher in multipara. More positive attitude on breastfeeding was found in working mothers and highly educated mothers. Third, $54.1\%$ of mothers continued breastfeeding over six months. Main reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding were lack of breast milk amount, and health problems in infants and mothers. In this study, we could identify the positive effects of health education program for pregnant women provided by public health center, and find the related factors of confidence in labor and breastfeeding. Community based health education program for pregnant women, especially for vulnerable group should be expanded.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.427-435
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and health beliefs about gestational diabetes and to identify the influence on breastfeeding intention of women those who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 270 women who were pregnant and currently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Data collection was conducted at Internet cafes and breastfeeding clinics where pregnant women were able to participate actively. The data collection period was from November 5 to November 27, 2019 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, χ2 test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The average age of the participants was 34.21±3.73 years. There were 221 women who had breastfeeding intention, and 49 women who did not intend to breastfeed. The higher the perceived susceptibility (OR=2.49, p=.032), benefits (OR=2.62 p=.009), and the self-efficacy, the higher the intention to perform breastfeeding (OR=2.97, p=.004). On the other hand, the higher the perceived severity, the lower the intention to perform breastfeeding (OR=0.35, p=.007). Conclusion: Health beliefs such as perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, self-efficacy and perceived severity have been shown to affect the breastfeeding intention. Based on these results, we suggest developing a breastfeeding promotion intervention program that improves self-efficacy in gestational diabetics.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.98-107
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was done to identify the effects of self-breast pumping on breastfeeding rates and, the degree of breast milk fullness among primiparous women giving birth by cesarean section. Methods: The study design was a non-synchronized posttest control group experiment with repeated measures. The participants were 60 women, 31 in the experimental group who used a manual pump 5 times a day after exclusive breastfeeding and 29 in the control group who breastfed exclusively with no other interventions. Results: While self-breast pumping did not improve breastfeeding rates or the degree of breast milk fullness at any of the time points studied, breastfeeding rates continued to remain high till 12 weeks postpartum in both groups. Conclusion: Although some modifications in research methods will be required to identify the effects of breast pumping and exclusive breastfeeding, both these approaches can be used as interventions to improve breastfeeding rates and breast milk quantity.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.348-357
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to investigate encouragement experience on breastfeeding of health professionals, and the support in their hospitals on breastfeeding. A questionnaire on breastfeeding was administered to the obstetricians, pediatricians and nurses at the department of pediatrics or obstetrics of university hospital and private hospital in Seoul and Choong-Chung Province in South Korea. Total numbers of study subjects were 346 (pediatrician 67, obstetrician 41, nurse 238). Data was statistically analyzed according to descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and multivariant analysis. The results were as follows : 1. Most of the respondents (93.6%) had a knowledge regarding breastfeeding which had more advantage than formula-feeding. But their experience to educate the mother about breastfeeding was very limited (34.8%). The major problems were insufficient concern of healthcare professionals, no trained personnel's and lack of education programs on breastfeeding. 2. Most of the respondents (82%) had learned breastfeeding management in class at the university. But 2/3 of them had not been educated on breastfeeding management after graduation. 3. More than half of the hospitals had no breastfeeding education programs. And they recommended the formula-feeding to the mothers. 4. Seventy percent of the respondents recognized that breastfeeding information offered to the mothers in their hospitals might help to increase the rate of breastfeeding. But only 40% of hospital had offered breastfeeding information using pamphlets or brochures. In our study, a majority of respondents had not been educated on breastfeeding after graduation. A personal experience in breastfeeding is known predictor of confidence in breastfeeding. Educational programs may have an effect to change the health professionals behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to assist health professionals in obtaining more knowledge about breastfeeding. Continuing education programs to health professionals should be offered by nation and regional organization.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify effects of breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and barriers on breastfeeding practice on twin mothers and to provide basic data for successful breastfeeding for twins. Methods: Participants were 151 mothers with two to twelve months-old twins. Data were collected from online support groups by an online survey. Results: Mean score for breastfeeding knowledge was $18.34{\pm}4.63$, for breastfeeding attitude was $3.61{\pm}0.51$, and for barriers to breastfeeding was $13.35{\pm}1.08$. The breastfeeding practice rate was 27.8% when twins were two months old. The breastfeeding knowledge was significantly different depending on mother's occupation, number of children, utilization of postpartum caretaker, and age of the children. There were significant differences in the breastfeeding attitude depending on gestational week of twins, planned length of the breastfeeding, and decision period for the breastfeeding. The practice of the breastfeeding was significantly different depending on the number of children. Factors influencing the breastfeeding practice were the breastfeeding attitude (p<.05), age of mother (p<.01), and the number of children (p<.01). Conclusion: An educational program and expert-led supportive system that is designed for twins are necessary, and they need to be included in prenatal care in order to have positive attitude for the breastfeeding as well as to breastfeed successfully.