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O conhecimento em aleitamento materno e intenção de amamentar de gestantes em Portugal
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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
RESUMO - Introdução: O aleitamento materno é uma prática considerada padrão-ouro em nutrição
de primeira infância, recomendada mundialmente devido aos seus benefícios para a
mãe e o bebé. Evidências apontam que conhecimento em aleitamento materno e a
intenção de amamentar seriam fatores associados à experiência positiva de
amamentação. Os dados oficiais mais recentes disponíveis em Portugal remontam a
uma década de publicação.
Objetivos: Pretendeu-se avaliar o nível de conhecimento em aleitamento materno das
gestantes e as suas características sociodemográficas para, posteriormente, relacioná los com a intenção de amamentar.
Metodologia: Estudo exploratório descritivo transversal através da aplicação de um
questionário online, construído a partir das escalas IFI e KNOWL. A amostra foi
constituída por 420 mulheres grávidas e os dados coletados no último trimestre de 2021.
Resultados: O conhecimento em aleitamento materno das gestantes é alto e
apresentou influência positiva na intenção de amamentar (r=0,237). A experiência prévia
da maternidade também demonstrou associação com a amamentação (p=<0,001), pois
a forma de amamentar os filhos anteriores associou-se positivamente à intenção de
amamentar.
Conclusões: O conhecimento sobre o aleitamento materno desempenha um papel
crucial no êxito e na eficácia da prática de amamentação. Ao proporcionar às mães as
informações e habilidades necessárias, este conhecimento capacita-as a enfrentar os
desafios inerentes ao processo, a adotar as melhores técnicas disponíveis e a buscar o
suporte adequado quando necessário, resultando em uma experiência de
amamentação positiva e saudável. Recomenda-se, portanto, o desenvolvimento de
programas educacionais e de apoio direcionados às gestantes, com o intuito de
aumentar o conhecimento sobre o aleitamento materno e promover taxas mais elevadas
de sucesso na amamentação.
ABSTRACT - Introduction: Breastfeeding is considered the gold standard practice in early childhood nutrition, recommended worldwide due to its benefits for both mother and baby. Evidence suggests that knowledge about breastfeeding and the intention to breastfeed are factors associated with a positive breastfeeding experience. The most recent official data available in Portugal dates back a decade. Objectives: The aim was to assess the level of knowledge about breastfeeding among pregnant women and their sociodemographic characteristics, and subsequently relate them to the intention to breastfeed. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study through the application of an online questionnaire, constructed based on the IFI and KNOWL scales. The sample consisted of 420 pregnant women, and the data were collected in the last quarter of 2021. Results: The knowledge of breastfeeding among pregnant women is high and has shown a positive influence on the intention to breastfeed (r=0.237). Previous maternity experience also demonstrated an association with breastfeeding (p=<0.001), as the way of breastfeeding previous children was positively associated with the intention to breastfeed. Conclusions: Knowledge about breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the success and effectiveness of breastfeeding practice. By providing mothers with the necessary information and skills, this knowledge empowers them to face the inherent challenges of the process, adopt the best available techniques, and seek appropriate support when needed, resulting in a positive and healthy breastfeeding experience. Therefore, the development of educational and support programs targeted at pregnant women is recommended to increase knowledge about breastfeeding and promote higher rates of breastfeeding success.
ABSTRACT - Introduction: Breastfeeding is considered the gold standard practice in early childhood nutrition, recommended worldwide due to its benefits for both mother and baby. Evidence suggests that knowledge about breastfeeding and the intention to breastfeed are factors associated with a positive breastfeeding experience. The most recent official data available in Portugal dates back a decade. Objectives: The aim was to assess the level of knowledge about breastfeeding among pregnant women and their sociodemographic characteristics, and subsequently relate them to the intention to breastfeed. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study through the application of an online questionnaire, constructed based on the IFI and KNOWL scales. The sample consisted of 420 pregnant women, and the data were collected in the last quarter of 2021. Results: The knowledge of breastfeeding among pregnant women is high and has shown a positive influence on the intention to breastfeed (r=0.237). Previous maternity experience also demonstrated an association with breastfeeding (p=<0.001), as the way of breastfeeding previous children was positively associated with the intention to breastfeed. Conclusions: Knowledge about breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the success and effectiveness of breastfeeding practice. By providing mothers with the necessary information and skills, this knowledge empowers them to face the inherent challenges of the process, adopt the best available techniques, and seek appropriate support when needed, resulting in a positive and healthy breastfeeding experience. Therefore, the development of educational and support programs targeted at pregnant women is recommended to increase knowledge about breastfeeding and promote higher rates of breastfeeding success.
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Palavras-chave
aleitamento materno intenção de amamentar conhecimento em aleitamento materno breastfeeding intention to breastfeed knowledge about breastfeeding