Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among health care workers in Northern Tanzania.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is one of the interventions improving child survival. Health workers have been shown to be vital in influencing EBF practices. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and supportive practices on EBF among healthcare workers Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Methods: : A cross sectional study was conducted between April - June 2011 health care providers working in 36 randomly selected health facilities of Hai and Siha districts. A questionnaire was used to obtain information. Observation of health worker-client interaction was conducted using a check list. Results: : A total of 250 health workers participated in this study. The majority (80 %) had adequate knowledge of EBF. However, 36 % of providers believed light porridge should be introduced after 4 months and 43 % believed infants will feel thirsty on breast- milk alone. Only 7 % of providers answered correctly on skills of support, positioning and attachment. Fifty percent of the facilities with labour/maternity wards gave breastfeeding lessons to post delivery women. The majority (90 %) gave theoretical information, without practical demonstration with positioning and/or attachment of the baby to the breast. Conclusion: Providers had adequate theoretical knowledge of EBF but lacked important skills to support women in breastfeeding practices. Few labor/maternity facilities used the opportunity to educate women on EBF. Pre- and in-service health providers’ training on breastfeeding should target improved practical skills.