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Title: | Midwives' views on the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in one local public hospital |
Authors: | Cassar, Catriona |
Keywords: | Breastfeeding -- Malta Maternal health services -- Malta Midwifery -- Malta Breastfeeding promotion -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2013 |
Abstract: | The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was commenced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to raise the breastfeeding rates by promoting worldwide adoption of the Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding. To date, in Malta there is still no hospital, governmental or private, accredited as Baby-Friendly. The aim of the study was to assess midwives' views on the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in one local public hospital. The objectives of the study were to assess the midwives' knowledge on the BFHI practices, to explore their attitudes towards its implementation and to identify the barriers in implementing the BFHI. To fulfil the study's aim, the data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire, consisting of closed and open ended questions. The sample consisted of 120 midwives working in all the maternity settings of the local public hospital and the sampling technique chosen was purposive sampling. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study achieved a response rate of 59.2%, (n=71). Findings show that all the midwives who participated in this study are aware of the BFHI and in favour of implementing it. The majority of the participants are knowledgeable on the recommended BFHI practices. Some of the obstacles that emerged in the implementation of the BFHI included: implementation problems and mothers not receptive or impossible for them to breastfeed. Some benefits included: advantages of breastfeeding which increase the health care standards. One main limitation was the small scale study, which treated a sensitive issue in midwifery and neonatology care. It may have been influenced by time and financial constraints. The main recommendation is to begin and strengthen awareness on the promotion of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, amongst student midwives, by providing specific lectures and training in breastfeeding management so as to start practising early on the wards, during their practical placements. |
Description: | B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/9044 |
Appears in Collections: | Dissertations - FacHSc - 2013 Dissertations - FacHScMid - 2013 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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13BSMD004.pdf Restricted Access | 3.9 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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