Attitudes and knowledge regarding breast-feeding: A survey of obstetric residents in metropolitan areas of South Korea

A 15-minute, 6-page questionnaire on breast-feeding was administered to the obstetric residents in four metropolitan academic training programs in Korea to assess their attitudes toward and knowledge about breast-feeding and their confidence in managing breast-feeding problems. The questionnaires were self-administered and confidential, and the participation rate was 84% (n = 76). Overall, the study participants indicated a neutral attitude toward breast-feeding (2.9 on a 6-point scale, where 1 equals the most positive attitude and 6 equals the most negative attitude). Their self-confidence was inappropriately high, with 49%, of the total sample describing themselves as ''confident'' or ''very confident'' to manage common breast-feeding problems, Female residents had a higher confidence level than male residents. Although high in self-confidence about breast-feeding, the residents in this study were not knowledgeable about breast-feeding management, answering only 38% of the questions correctly. To be truly supportive of breast-feeding, obstetricians should receive didactic and clinical training in breast-feeding management.