Knowledge of Future Doctors (Senior Students, Interns, Residents) on Breastfeeding: Cross-Sectional Study

Background. The ratio of breasted children for more than six months increased from 33 to 40% in the period from 1991 to 2019 according to the Russian Federal State Statistics Service. This number has not changed in recent 12 years and remained on the level of 39-41%. Relatively low adherence to breastfeeding may be the consequence of the lack of training of future doctors in these issues.

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyse the knowledge (and its dynamics over the past decade) of medical students, interns and residents on breastfeeding support and promotion in Russian Federation.

Methods. We have conducted the survey among senior students, interns, and residents in 2009-2011 and 2018-2019. 8 medical universities participated in the study in 2009-2011, and 24 medical universities and one continuing education institute — in 2018-2019. Knowledge on breastfeeding support issues was estimated according to the results of future doctors’ responses to the proposed questionnaires.

Results. Sample of 2009-2011 has included 1088 students, interns, and residents, sample of 2018-2019 — 3694. There is still high level of mistakes in the breastfeedng issues due to the decline in knowledge of the WHO breastfeeding recommendations. The level of understanding of practical aspects has not changed significantly over the 10 years, and there is still a gap between theoretical knowledge and practice.

Conclusion. The necessity to improve quality of future doctors training in breastfeeding issues is shown.

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