Knowledge and Practices Regarding Early Colostrum Feeding Among Mothers in Erbil Governorate: a Comparative Study

Abstract Background and objectives: Colostrum is the first breastfeed which is a product by the mother. it has containing high amounts and concentrations of nutrients and antibodies. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas in Erbil Governorate. During the period started on 2nd Jan. to the end of May. 2019. Non- probability of 400 mothers who delivered their baby by normal vaginal delivery in the hospitals were recruited. A special tool was constructed by researchers, a direct face-to-face interview was adapted. Data were collected and interpreted to the computer. A special SPSS software version 23 was used for analyzing the data, frequency, chi-square, and two tailed t-test statistical analysis was applied for the study.Results: Incorrect knowledge among Erbil city and Koy-Sanjaq city was observed, with better information among Shaqlawa mothers. Poor practices of colostrum feeding among all mothers, and found a statistically significant association between mother’s knowledge, and relay to an association between mothers’ practices. Statistically significant differences were found between Erbil city and Koy-Sanjaq city; between Shaqlawa city and Koy-Sanjaq city concerning mothers’ practices respectively, with non-statistically differences between Erbil and Shaqlawa mothers, also non-statistically significant differences between mothers’ practices in Erbil and Shaqlawa city. There are statistically differences between mothers in Erbil, Koy-Sanjaq, and between Erbil and Shaqlawa with no statistical difference between Koy-Sanjaq and Shaqlawa mothers regarding knowledge. Conclusions: The mothers in Shaqlawa city had better knowledge and all three districts were having poor practices regarding colostrum feeding.