The knowledge and attitude of primigravida women towards breastfeeding in Riyadh province

Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast-feeding is essential for the provision of optimal nutrition to babies. Thus, this study aimed to measure the level of knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding among primigravida women in Riyadh province, and to determine the factors, which affect the practice of breastfeeding.
Methods: 
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia in the period from September 2020 to February 2021. The sample size was calculated to be 410. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that was self-designed and consisted of 45 questions. It was distributed electronically by using Google forms. 
Results: 
The response rate was 100%, of which 37.8% of the primigravida women had an adequate level of knowledge about breastfeeding. A considerable percentage of the primigravida women (94.1%) had a negative attitude towards breastfeeding. Further, age, educational status, employment status, and accommodation type had a significant association with knowledge. While there was no significant association with attitude and practice.
Conclusion: 
The level of knowledge about breastfeeding among primigravida was low in younger primigravida as compared with older primigravida. The current study suggested that 94% of primigravida have a negative attitude towards breastfeeding. Therefore, educational programs should be conducted to increase the knowledge of to primigravida towards the importance of breastfeeding.