Symbolic illustration of breastfeeding education with a glowing book and mother-child silhouette.

Breastfeeding in Turkey: Uncovering the Knowledge Gap Among Health Professionals

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Cross-Sectional Study Reveals Critical Insights into Breastfeeding Practices and Attitudes in a Major Turkish City"

Worldwide, the consensus among health organizations is clear: infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. This recommendation, championed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), is based on extensive research highlighting the numerous benefits of breast milk for infant health and development.

However, despite these well-publicized recommendations, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains low in many countries, including Turkey. This discrepancy between recommended practice and actual behavior prompted researchers to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and personal experiences of healthcare professionals regarding breastfeeding and breast milk in a major Turkish city.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the understanding and beliefs of healthcare providers – those on the front lines of maternal and infant care. The goal was to identify gaps in knowledge and attitudes that might contribute to the country's breastfeeding rates and to inform strategies for improving breastfeeding support and education.

Key Findings: Knowledge Gaps and Breastfeeding Practices

Symbolic illustration of breastfeeding education with a glowing book and mother-child silhouette.

The study, conducted between July 2012 and December 2013, involved 715 healthcare professionals working in various settings across Ankara, Turkey, including university hospitals, research and training hospitals, public and private hospitals, child and women's health centers, family health centers, and community health centers. A detailed questionnaire was used to gather data on their knowledge, attitudes, and personal experiences related to breastfeeding.

One of the most striking findings was the variation in breastfeeding experiences among the healthcare professionals themselves. Among those who had children:

3.4% had never breastfed their babies at all.
7.6% had breastfed their babies until the age of two years.

When assessing the overall knowledge levels of the participants, the study revealed that:

28.4% demonstrated poor knowledge about breastfeeding and breast milk.
43.1% had average knowledge.
28.5% displayed good knowledge.

This distribution highlights a significant gap in understanding among healthcare professionals, with a substantial portion lacking adequate knowledge on this crucial aspect of infant care.

Implications and Recommendations

This study underscores the critical need for improved education and training on breastfeeding and breast milk among healthcare professionals in Turkey. While the majority of participants agreed with WHO recommendations regarding the duration of breastfeeding, their own breastfeeding practices often fell short of these guidelines. Addressing this gap between knowledge and practice is essential for promoting and supporting breastfeeding effectively.

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Everything You Need To Know

What was the main purpose of the cross-sectional study conducted in Turkey regarding breastfeeding?

The primary objective was to evaluate the understanding, attitudes, and personal experiences related to breastfeeding among healthcare providers in Ankara, Turkey. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify specific gaps in knowledge and attitudes that may contribute to the country's breastfeeding rates. By assessing healthcare professionals' knowledge of breastfeeding and breast milk, the study sought to inform strategies for improving breastfeeding support and education within the Turkish healthcare system.

What were the key findings regarding the knowledge levels and breastfeeding practices among healthcare professionals in Ankara, Turkey?

The study revealed that 28.4% of healthcare professionals demonstrated poor knowledge about breastfeeding and breast milk, while 43.1% had average knowledge, and only 28.5% displayed good knowledge. Additionally, there was a notable variation in breastfeeding experiences among the healthcare professionals themselves; 3.4% had never breastfed, and 7.6% had breastfed until the age of two years. These findings highlight a significant need for improved education and training on breastfeeding among healthcare professionals in Turkey.

What implications does this study have for improving breastfeeding support and education in Turkey?

The findings point to a critical need for enhanced education and training programs focused on breastfeeding and breast milk for healthcare professionals in Turkey. While most participants agreed with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding breastfeeding duration, their own practices often did not align with these guidelines. Addressing the gap between knowledge and practice is essential for effectively promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Future efforts should focus on providing healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to support and encourage optimal breastfeeding practices among mothers.

When and where was this study conducted, and who were the participants involved?

The study was conducted between July 2012 and December 2013 in Ankara, Turkey. It involved 715 healthcare professionals working in various settings, including university hospitals, research and training hospitals, public and private hospitals, child and women's health centers, family health centers, and community health centers. Data was collected using a detailed questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and personal experiences related to breastfeeding.

What aspects of breastfeeding were not directly addressed in this study, and what further research might be needed to gain a more complete picture?

The study primarily focused on healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding breastfeeding in Ankara, Turkey. While it identified gaps in knowledge and practice among these professionals, it did not directly investigate the reasons behind mothers' decisions to breastfeed or not. Further research is needed to explore the social, cultural, and economic factors influencing breastfeeding practices among Turkish mothers, as well as the specific challenges they face in adhering to exclusive breastfeeding recommendations. A more comprehensive understanding of these factors would enable the development of more targeted and effective interventions to support breastfeeding mothers and improve breastfeeding rates in Turkey.