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Statistical Analysis:
Data were analyzed using a personal computer employing Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. The statistical significance was assessed using chi-square tests (Pearson chi-square, continuity correlation, likelihood ration, fisher's exact test). P value >0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Among the 300 questionnaires distributed, 196 questionnaires were given back which correspond to a response rate of 65.3%.
The mean age was 20.2 years. The minimum age was 18 years and the maximum age was 30 years. 79.9% were UAE nationals and 20.1% were non UAE nationals. 95.4% were singles, while only 4.6% were married. The question inquiring about the collage to which the student belongs, was unanswered by most of the students, as there were no choices made to choose from. 41.1% were in the first year, 42.1% in the second year, 15.8 % in the second year, 15.8 5 in the third year, and 1.1 % in the forth year. All of the students were Muslim.
The question regarding the student's mother's education showed that 27.7 % were illiterate, 17.9 % had primary education, and 17.4 % preparatory, 15.4 % secondary, and 21.5 % had university education. 12.6 5 were working, while 87.9 % were not working.
The education of the student's fathers revealed that 23 % were illiterate, 18.3 % had primary education, and 17.3 % preparatory, 17.3 % secondary, and 24.1 % had university education. 76.9 % of the fathers were working, while 23.1 % were non working.
There were four questions addressing the past history of the student regarding breast feeding. The following was found: 49.7 % had previous educational programs on breast feeding, 14.9 % was through media. The second question showed that 97.4 % of the students have seen their mother or another women breast feed. 87.2 % of the students have helped their mothers to care for a younger sibling. The last question revealed that 88.8 % of the students were breast fed as infants.
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The questionnaire contained 10 knowledge questions about the meaning of exclusive breast feeding, the meaning of partial breast feeding. Weaning, colostrums, what colostrums is good for, best time to start weaning feeds, best time to start breast feeding, frequency of breast feeding, the duration of each feed, and duration of exclusive breast feeding.
8.2 % gave the correct answer for the question on the meaning of exclusive breast feeding, which is breast milk plus medicine if necessary. 57.7 % gave the correct answer for the question on the meaning of partial breast feeding, which is breast milk plus bottle feeding.
3.6 % gave the correct answer for the question on the meaning of weaning, which is to continue breast feeding and introduce new feeds. 39.8 % gave the right meaning of colostrums. 39.3 % gave the right answer on the question regarding the best time to introduce weaning feeds, which is 6 months. 51.0 % answered that colostrums is good for immunity. 20.9 % answered correctly that breast feeding should be initiated within half an hour after delivery.
Regarding the frequency of breast feeding, 49 % answered that it should be on demand. Pertaining to the duration of each breast feed, 46.9 % answered that the baby should be breast fed till he / she releases the breast. Regarding the duration of exclusive breast feeding, 6.6 % gave the right answer, which is 6 months.
Our last question addresses the attitude of the student regarding breast feeding. 95.4 % of the students are willing to breast feed in the future.
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