FEMALE EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTION OF BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT PROVIDED IN THE WORKPLACE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Background: Recent research has demonstrated a noticeable decline in breastfeeding practices around the world. In particular, studies in Saudi Arabia (SA) showed low rates of breastfeeding practices and a need for further investigation of reasons behind such practices (breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding duration). Therefore, the aim of this dissertation is to conduct a systematic review to identify barriers to WHO recommendations for early initiation of breastfeeding, breastfeeding initiation, and exclusivity. Based on the systematic review, returning to work and the workplace environment were the main reasons for the lack of exclusive breastfeeding practices in SA. Therefore, a questionnaire that aimed to investigate Employees' Perception of Breastfeeding Support (EPBS) in the workplace was adapted and translated into Arabic. A psychometric test was applied to test the reliability and validity. Then, the questionnaire was used to investigate female employees’ perception about workplace breastfeeding support in Saudi Arabia and its potential influence on breastfeeding. Method: The systemic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The psychometric tests were applied to measure the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the EPBS questionnaire. Then the questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study design to examine ii female employees’ perception of workplace breastfeeding support in SA and its potential influence on breastfeeding practices. Results: The cross-sectional study revealed a lack of perceived physical environmental support in the workplace. The physical environment was significantly associated with increasing the female employees’ intention to breastfeed or express breast milk upon returning to work (OR=2.041; 95% CI: 1.255- 3.319). Conclusion: The review found a limited number of experimental studies carried out in the Saudi context. The results indicate that there is a critical need to empower lactating women in the workplace by providing the facilities needed to continue breastfeeding upon return to work, such as a private space equipped with supplies including a comfortable chair, water, electricity, and a refrigerator to store expressed breast milk.