Determining Knowledge and Opinions of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses on Wet-Nursing and Human Milk Banks: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye


KONUKBAY D., Kapan E., YILDIZ D.

Journal of Human Lactation, cilt.39, sa.4, ss.636-647, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 39 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/08903344231196559
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Human Lactation
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.636-647
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: breastfeeding, human milk banks, neonatal intensive care nurse, survey, Turkiye, wet-nursing
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Wet nursing and human milk banks are vital sources of human milk for infants unable to breastfeed. Research Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care unit nurses regarding wet-nursing and human milk banks in Türkiye. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 219 neonatal intensive care unit nurses using an online survey comprising 20 questions. The data were collected between August and September 2021. Results: Among the participants, 64.4% (n = 141) expressed that they would be a wet-nurse and 59.8% (n = 131) would search for a wet-nurse if necessary. Some, 47.0% (n = 103) of participants did not know if there were any human milk banks in Türkiye, 53.9% (n = 118) would like to be a donor if human milk banks were established, and 71.7% (n = 157) stated that the establishment of human milk banks should be supported. Religious concerns were the basis for reluctance to donate milk to human milk banks for 60% (n = 51) of the participants. Knowledge was greater and opinions about wet-nursing and human milk banks were more positive for participants with higher education, more time in the neonatal intensive care unit, or work at a tertiary care center. Conclusion: The approaches of neonatal intensive care unit nurses towards personally being wet-nurses and milk sharing were generally positive, although more information about human milk banks is needed. Religious beliefs are an important consideration when providing information about milk sharing.