Self-instruction module is effective in improving knowledge of mothers regarding expression and storage of breast milk

Abstract

Breast milk is often referred to as "liquid gold," and therefore a key aspect of self reliance and primary health care. By many scientific studies and researches it is proved that there is no substitute for breast milk. Babies who are breast fed have 30% less chances or are at risk of illness than the bottle fed babies. It was aimed to assess the effect of self instructional module on knowledge regarding expression and storage of breast milk among postnatal working women residing in selected areas of PCMC, Pune city. The study comprised of 60 postnatal working women working in the selected areas of Pimpri chinchwad Muncipal Corporation, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Vallabh Nagar, Nehru Nagar, Balaji Nagar, Landewadi, Jijamata hospital, Kamat hospital of Pune city. Data collection commenced after the prior permission was taken from Jijamata hospital and Kamat hospital. The data collection was done from 2nd October 2010 to 2nd November 2010. On day one (pre-test day) the purpose of the study was explained to each postnatal working woman and the confidentiality of her response was assured. After pre-test on the same day self instructional module was administered to the subjects. Post-test was conducted on the 7th day. The average knowledge score of postnatal working women in pre test was 6.25 and posttest average knowledge score was 17.68. There was a significant association between education, occupation, per month family income, the importance of expression and storage of breast milk and previous information about the expression and storage of breast milk. The self instructional module on the expression and storage of breast milk is proved to be effective in imparting the knowledge and creating awareness.