Knowledge and practices of breastfeeding among the lactating mothers of Lambashia Rohingya Refugee Camp at Cox's Bazar

Refugee crises adversely impacts on infant growth, development and even survival. Breastfeeding has a key role in infant health and well-being in this crises situation. Therefore, breastfeeding is children’s fundamental right for achieving Sustainable Development Goal-2 and Goal-3. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of Rohingya mothers' knowledge and practices regarding breastfeeding. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among purposively and conveniently selected Rohingya refugee lactating mothers living in selected areas of Bangladesh. Data were collected through interview using a semi-structure questionnaire. Data was entered into SPSS and descriptive analysis was done. A total of 396 Rohingya refugee mothers aged ≤ 20, 21-30 and ≥ 31 years 32%, 62% and 6% constituted the participants of this study. Highest proportion (86%) lactating mothers found to have “Very Good Knowledge” and 14% had “Good Knowledge”. Greater proportion (61%) were found with “Good Practice” level and the rests (39%) were with average practice level. The overall knowledge level of Rohingya lactating mothers on breastfeeding was very good among the mothers. About two-third of them had a good level of breastfeeding practice and others were found with average level. As the Rohingya refugees are receiving various health services through different national or foreign organizations, this may be why the level of knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among Rohingya mothers was observed to be better than that of the mothers of host country.