Assessment of breastfeeding knowledge among Libyan women

The current study is designed to explore the breastfeeding knowledge among Libyan women. This cross-sectional descriptive study used an online predesigned questionnaire targeting women's social media groups. A convenient sample of eight hundred and sixty women participated in the study. Participant knowledge level was scored. In addition to demographic data, women were asked about their knowledge of the proven benefits of breastfeeding. High Breastfeeding knowledge level in this study was seen in only one third of women 31.3% (269). 50.8% (437) of women in the study sample don’t know that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of respiratory infections. Concerning breastfeeding benefits for mothers 71.9 % (618) of respondents are aware that breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer. Two thirds of women (62.7%) reported that society and family members, such as mothers, sisters, and friends, were their main sources of breastfeeding information. Only 13.8% had heard from health centers for information. Programs to educate all women about the advantages of breastfeeding are urgently needed in order to increase their motivation to breastfeed their children in the future.