Volume 26, Issue 123, May 2022

Colostrum knowledge among mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Khalid Almahmoud^1♦, Abdulaziz Almousa¹, Lama Albalawi¹, Renad Althobaiti¹, Abdulrahman Alothman¹, Rheem Almhizai²

¹College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
²Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Background: Colostrum is a secretion produced by a mother's mammary glands days before birth and lasts for a few more after. Colostrum is rich in various immunologic and nutritional content and is essential for the newborn. However, there are many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about colostrum and its properties. Aim: This study aimed to measure the knowledge and attitudes towards colostrum among mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among mothers using an online platform. The questionnaires include demographic data, general knowledge and awareness about colostrum, knowledge about colostrum formation, duration, color, and appearance, and general attitude and practice toward colostrum. Results: Of the 680 mothers who took part, 86.9% heard about colostrum, while 86.8% and 74% were aware of its correct meaning and benefits. The overall knowledge level of mothers regarding colostrum formation, duration, color, and management was good (91.8%), while only 8.2% had a poor knowledge level. Factors associated with increased knowledge level were having more than five pregnancies, having heard of colostrum, knowing its meaning and usage, and receiving advice to breastfeed a child with colostrum. Conclusion: Even though Saudi mothers' understanding of colostrum was rated sufficient, there is still space for improvement. Mothers who have had more than five pregnancies and have been encouraged to breastfeed a kid with colostrum are more informed than the rest.

Keywords: Colostrum, mothers, children, awareness, knowledge

Medical Science, 2022, 26, ms156e2260

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v26i123/ms156e2260

Published: 02 May 2022