Wanpen Sornsilp. Factors related to the role of public health nurses in promoting breastfeeding practice in the public health centers, Nonthaburi province . Master's Degree(Public Health Nursing). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2007.
Factors related to the role of public health nurses in promoting breastfeeding practice in the public health centers, Nonthaburi province
Abstract:
This research studied the factors related to the role of public health nurses in promoting
breastfeeding practice in the public health centers, Nonthaburi Province. The sampled population were
76 public health nurses responsible for maternal and child health in the health centers. The data were
collected during September to October, 2005 by using a questionnaire regarding personal
characteristics, motivation factors, organizational factors, roles, problems and obstacles in promoting
breastfeeding practice. The data were analyzed by computing frequency, percentage, means, standard
deviation, Chi – square and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.
The results of the study showed that 55.3 percent of the nurses had a “good” level of role in
promoting breastfeeding. From the statement item analysis it was found that the activities that were
mostly practiced were “The explanation to all pregnant women about the benefits and method of
breastfeeding” (98.7%) and “The support to have babies suckle mothers’ milk every time they need”
(93.4%) and the activity that was least practiced was “Helping mothers to have their babies suckle their
milk within a half hour after delivery” (26.3%). Regarding knowledge, attitudes and motivation to
work, moderate levels of these factors were found (59.2%, 61.8%, and 82.9%) respectively while the
level of the organizational support was at the “low” level (67.1%). Besides this, it was found that the
nurses had too many responsibilities, averaging 7 tasks. The highest number of responsible tasks was 20
which were the obstacles to work and caused fatigue. The factors found to be related to the nurses’ roles
in promoting breastfeeding were : the superiors’ support as regards to regular supervision and follow –
up (r = 0.291, p – value = 0.011); cooperation of public health volunteers (r = 0.262, p – value = 0.022);
receiving self – development (r = 0.323, p – value = 0.006); the relevance of development and
organization’s goals; and the ability to apply the development to job performance (r = 0.357, p – value =
0.002).
It is suggested that the managers should promote nurses to gain more knowledge and skills
regularly, including developing their morale support by using their performance of breastfeeding
promotion as one criterion of the reward system. Adequate budget, vehicles, and necessary materials for
nurses to perform their jobs efficiently can meet the goals of the National Public Health Development
Plan.