This article was originally published here
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022 Mar 28;22(1):262. doi: 10.1186/s12884-022-04607-0.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Los Angeles County (LAC), disparities in breastfeeding rates vary by race and region. Black people are more affected by social and environmental factors than other racial/ethnic groups, leading to lower breastfeeding rates. This study aims to assess community knowledge, perceptions, experiences, barriers, and solutions before and after an educational film about Black people who breastfeed.
METHODS: Participants’ responses were collected anonymously through an online survey (via a QR code) before and after viewing a film with open-ended and closed-ended questions. There were 15 pre-screening questions and 24 post-screening questions discussed with a team of community experts. The questions focused on four main areas related to breastfeeding: current/past experiences, support, knowledge of laws and solutions. Central tendency, variance, and paired differences were calculated from the rating responses.
RESULTS: There were 185 participants who completed the prescreening assessment and 57 participants who completed the postscreening assessment. Racial/ethnic differences were found for the stated reasons for attendance and perceptions of breastfeeding as being difficult after viewing the video. On a five-point Likert scale (1 = very relevant, 5 = not relevant), most participants rated the video as relevant (median response = “2-relevant”; IQR = “3-neutral”; “ 1-very relevant”, learned something new (81.4%) and knew how to access breastfeeding support after watching the video (93.2%).
CONCLUSIONS: Today’s media are a means to change perceptions and opinions and provide information. Additionally, it can be a way to raise awareness of the issues faced by black people who are breastfeeding. Strategic marketing efforts for future film screenings can increase attendance for those who may gain insight into breastfeeding support (youth/young adults and men). Breastfeeding-friendly environments can also be a reality with easily accessible, unified and supportive personal and professional networks.
PMID:35346106 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-022-04607-0
