Health Workers' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Lactational Amenorrhea at Family Health Centers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is an effective, low-cost postpartum family planning strategy when applied under three essential criteria: amenorrhea, exclusive and frequent breastfeeding, and an infant younger than six months. Healthcare professionals play a key role in providing accurate counseling on LAM; however, knowledge gaps may limit the method’s effective use.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers employed at Family Health Centers in Şanlıurfa regarding LAM.

Method: This descriptive study was conducted between September and October 2024 among 166 healthcare workers from 28 Family Health Centers. Data were collected using an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of LAM, and knowledge of LAM criteria.

Results: Although 87.3% had heard of LAM and 85.5% reported being familiar with the method, correct knowledge of key criteria was limited. While 65.1% correctly identified the effective postpartum period for LAM, only 4.8% demonstrated full knowledge of breastfeeding requirements, and merely 1.2% correctly identified all menstrual bleeding characteristics indicating method failure.

Conclusion: Despite high awareness of LAM, substantial gaps exist in healthcare workers’ detailed knowledge of the essential criteria for its effectiveness—particularly regarding menstrual bleeding characteristics. Regular training programs and updated counseling protocols are recommended to strengthen healthcare workers’ knowledge and enhance the quality of postpartum family planning services in regions with high numbers of breastfeeding women.

Keyswords: Lactational Amenorrhea Method, Breastfeeding, Family Planning, Healthcare Workers, Postpartum Contraception.